Star Excursion Balance Training: Effects on Ankle Functional Stability after Ankle Sprain
Dootchai Chaiwanichsiri MD*, Ead Lorprayoon MD**, Lerson Noomanoch PT, MSc***
Affiliation : * Department of Rehabilitation Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, Chulalongkorn University ** Department of Anatomy, Faculty of Medicine, Chulalongkorn University *** Medical Division, Armed Forces Academies Preparatory School, Ministry of Defense
Objectives : To study the effects of Star Excursion Balance training on functional stability of athletes with
ankle sprain.
Materials and Methods : Thirty-two male athletes with grade 2 ankle sprain, aged 15 – 22 years old were
enrolled. They were random sampling into training group (n = 15) and control group (n = 17). All received
conventional physical therapy program for 4 weeks. The training group also underwent the Star Excursion
Balance training 3 days per week for 4 weeks. Single leg stance time (SLST) was assessed at pre- and post-
training. Re-injuries were recorded during 3 months follow-up.
Results : After the program, subjects from both groups demonstrated significant improvement in SLST. The
training group gained SLST of the injured sides 2 times more than the control group (p=0.002 tested with eyes
closed, p=0.007 tested with eyes open), and also improved the SLST during eyes closed of the normal sides
(p=0.015). Re-injuries were found in 1/15 of the training group and 2/17 of the control group.
Conclusion : Star Excursion Balance training is more effective than the conventional therapy program in
improving functional stability of the sprained ankle.
Keywords : Ankle sprain, Ankle stability, Star Excursion Balance, Single leg stance time
