The Impact of Ankle Injuries on Postural Stability and Balance Control Among Athletes: A Systematic Review.
Zeinab Gasavi Nezhad, Mokhtar Arazpour
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In 30 seconds
This systematic review examined observational studies of postural stability in athletes with ankle injuries, searching four databases through August 31, 2025. It included 59 studies involving 4848 participants. Across the evidence, ankle injuries were associated with deficits in static and dynamic balance; chronic ankle instability was linked to persistent impairment in stabilization times and reduced reach on the Star Excursion Balance Test and Y Balance Test. Balance deficits appeared greater in pivoting sports, such as soccer and basketball, than in endurance or balance-focused sports.
Key findings
- The review included 59 studies involving 4848 participants.
- Athletes with ankle injuries showed deficits in both static and dynamic balance.
- Chronic ankle instability was associated with persistent stabilization-time impairments and reduced Star Excursion Balance Test and Y Balance Test reach.
- Pivoting-sport athletes showed greater balance deficits than athletes in endurance or balance-focused sports.
Why it matters
Balance impairment may not be captured fully by static testing, particularly when athletes must meet the movement demands of their sport. The review highlights persistent deficits associated with chronic ankle instability and suggests that assessment across dynamic tasks and sport contexts may provide a more complete picture of functional balance.
What to keep in mind
The review included observational studies, so findings do not establish causation. Female-only cohorts were limited, comprising 6.7% of studies.