Effect of sling exercise on running speed, reaction time, and dynamic balance in people with chronic ankle instability

Abstract

Chronic ankle instability can affect speed, plantar flexion reaction time and, dynamic balance, all of which are important aspects of running performance. Core muscle activity on both a stable and an unstable exercise can directly enhance performance. However, there remains a paucity of understanding about the effects of different types of exercise on running performance. Thus, the purpose of this research was to compare the effects of sling and floor exercise on running speed, plantar flexion reaction time, and dynamic balance. Twenty-two participants with chronic ankle instability were enrolled in this study. Participants were split into two groups, each receiving core muscle training three times per week for four weeks. Running speed, plantar flexion reaction time, and dynamic balance were assessed using a single beam photocell timer, electromyography, and Y Balance Test™ at baseline and after four weeks of training. As a result, statistical improvements in running speed, plantar flexion reaction time and dynamic balance were shown in the sling group (11.50 vs. 10.95, p-value = 0.016, 369.08 vs. 240.15, p-value = 0.006 and 79.61 vs. 86.27, p-value = 0.036, respectively). However, the floor group showed only dynamic balance (84.98 vs. 96.53, p-value < 0.001) compared to the baseline. Further, there was a statistical difference after exercise in plantar flexion reaction time and dynamic balance (240.15 vs. 334.19, p-value = 0.042 and 86.27 vs. 96.53, p-value = 0.005, respectively). Thus, the results showed that four weeks of a sling and floor-based core muscle training program could increase running performance. To summarize, sling exercise focuses on speed, whereas floor exercise emphasizes balance.