Evidence map›Paper›PMID 41942996›Full record

SynthesisBMC musculoskeletal disorders2026

Efficacy of hip strengthening on balance and function outcomes in chronic ankle instability: a systematic review and meta-analysis.

Zhi-Qiang Hou, Ju-Hong Li, Xin-Yue Xu, Ning Zuo

Abstract readSystematic ReviewMeta-Analysis
In one paragraph

Synthesis in BMC musculoskeletal disorders, 2026. The graph could read no effect estimate from its abstract, so it casts no vote on the map. Not yet cited in PubMed.

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1 · What the graph read from it

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2 · The registry

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3 · Its place in the literature

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4 · The record

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5 · Who and what money

Authors and funding

4 authors.

Zhi-Qiang HouSchool of Physical Education, Shihezi University, Central Campus, Shihezi City, Xinjiang, 832003, China.
Ju-Hong LiSchool of Physical Education, Shihezi University, Central Campus, Shihezi City, Xinjiang, 832003, China. 547233513@qq.com.
Xin-Yue XuSchool of Physical Education, Shihezi University, Central Campus, Shihezi City, Xinjiang, 832003, China.
Ning ZuoSchool of Physical Education, Shihezi University, Central Campus, Shihezi City, Xinjiang, 832003, China.

Funding

No grant is acknowledged in the PubMed record.

6 · The paper itself

Abstract

backgroundChronic ankle instability (CAI) involves not only local mechanical damage to the ankle joint but also accompanying muscle control deficits in the proximal limb. Although hip muscles play a crucial role in postural control within the lower limb, the overall effectiveness of hip strengthening exercises in the rehabilitation of CAI patients remains unclear.

methodsMajor databases including PubMed, Embase, Cochrane Library, and Sport Discus were searched to identify randomized controlled trials (RCTs) comparing hip strengthening exercises with control. Primary outcome measures included dynamic balance assessed by the Star Excursion Balance Test (SEBT/YBT), static balance assessed by center of pressure (COP) parameters, and foot and ankle ability measure (FAAM) scores. Effect sizes were pooled using a random-effects model.

resultsNine RCTs involving 306 participants were included. Meta-analysis results showed that hip strengthening exercises significantly improved dynamic balance in patients with CAI, specifically demonstrated by increased anterior (SMD = 0.72, 95% CI: 0.25–1.18, P = 0.003), posterolateral (SMD = 1.35, P < 0.0001), and posteromedial (SMD = 1.66, P < 0.0001) reach distances in the SEBT/YBT test. In terms of static balance, the intervention group showed a significant reduction in COP ellipse area (MD = -11.62 mm², 95% CI: -20.77 to -2.47, P = 0.013) and a significant shortening of the movement path length (MD = -56.33 mm, P < 0.05), indicating improved postural control. Regarding foot and ankle function, the intervention group had higher FAAM-ADL scores (MD = 4.32, 95%CI: 1.06–7.58, P = 0.010) and higher FAAM-Sport scores (MD = 5.26, P = 0.007), indicating improved foot and ankle function.

conclusionHip strengthening exercises can effectively improve dynamic and static balance control abilities in patients with chronic ankle instability, especially posterior dynamic stability, and improve ankle function. It is recommended to include targeted hip strengthening exercises in the routine rehabilitation program for CAI to optimize treatment outcomes and prevent re-injury.

Indexed as

Ankle JointExercise TherapyHip JointJoint InstabilityMuscle StrengthPostural BalanceResistance TrainingChronic DiseaseHumansRandomized Controlled Trials as TopicTreatment OutcomeChronic ankle instabilityDynamic balanceHip strengtheningMeta-analysisPostural control

Identifiers

PMID41942996
PMCPMC13182019

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Read under generation 80e0d062 · epoch 390. Bibliography from PubMed, PubMed Central and OpenAlex; grants from NIH RePORTER; trial links from ClinicalTrials.gov; estimates, votes and beliefs from the OpenQuestion graph.