earticle

영어

Purpose: This study was an investigation of the effect of unstable supporting exercise in young adults with functional ankle instability. The study tested the use of a jumper and virtual reality (VR) training via a VR-head mounted display (HMD) system to provide functional improvement in proprioception, range of motion (ROM), ankle muscle strength, agility, and balance. Methods: The subjects comprised 61 young adults (in their twenties) with functional ankle instability to decide as less than 24 points using Cumberland ankle instability tool. The subjects were divided into three groups: VUS (VR-HMD and unstable supporting exercise, n = 20), VSS (VR-HMD and stable supporting exercise, n = 19), and NUS (non-VR-HMD and unstable supporting exercise, n = 22). The exercise program was conducted three times per week for three weeks. VR training via a VR-HMD system and a VR application on a smart mobile device were used with the VUS and VSS groups, and unstable supporting exercise was used in the VUS and NUS groups for 30 minutes. Proprioception, ROM, ankle muscle strength, agility, and balance were measured before and after training. Results: The VUS group showed significant differences in most results, including proprioception, ROM, ankle muscle strength, agility, and balance to compare before and after, and the VSS and NUS groups partially. Moreover, the VUS group had significant differences in most results when compared with the other groups. Conclusion: Unstable supporting exercise and VR training via a VR-HMD system improved functional ankle instability in terms of proprioception, ROM, ankle muscle strength, agility, and balance.