SENSOR-BASED INTELLIGENT REHABILITATION VERSUS PNF FOR FUNCTIONAL ANKLE INSTABILITY: A RANDOMIZED CONTROLLED TRIAL

Authors

  • Dr. Arooj Rani MS Scholar, Department of Physical Therapy and Rehabilitation Science, Superior University, Lahore. Author
  • Dr. Zohaib Rana Associate Professor Department of Physical Therapy and Rehabilitation, Superior University, Lahore. Author
  • Dr. Zainab Fareed MS Scholar, Department of Physical Therapy and Rehabilitation Science, Superior University, Lahore. Author
  • Dr. Ayesha Fareed MS Scholar, Department of Physical Therapy and Rehabilitation Science, Superior University, Lahore. Author
  • Dr. Amina Kainat Consultant Physiotherapist Author
  • Dr. Maiza Malik Mustafaq MS Scholar, Department of Physical Therapy and Rehabilitation Science, Superior University, Lahore. Author

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.71000/pzqhjp52

Keywords:

Ankle Injuries; Ankle Joint; Exercise Therapy; Pain; Postural Balance; Proprioception; Rehabilitation

Abstract

Background: Functional ankle instability is a frequent consequence of ankle injury and may lead to recurrent giving way, pain, impaired balance, and reduced functional performance. Conventional rehabilitation approaches such as proprioceptive neuromuscular facilitation are commonly used to improve neuromuscular control, while sensor-based intelligent rehabilitation provides real-time feedback and objective movement correction. Comparing these approaches may help identify a more effective rehabilitation strategy for improving clinical outcomes in adults with functional ankle instability.

Objective: To compare the effects of sensor-based intelligent rehabilitation and proprioceptive neuromuscular facilitation on pain, functional disability, and dynamic balance among adults with functional ankle instability.

Methods: This single-blinded randomized controlled trial was conducted over six months at Chaudhry Muhammad Akram Teaching and Research Hospital, Lahore. A total of 66 participants were enrolled through non-probability purposive sampling and randomly allocated into two equal groups using the lottery method. Group A received sensor-based intelligent rehabilitation using smart insole-guided balance and ankle-control exercises, while Group B received proprioceptive neuromuscular facilitation. Both interventions were delivered over four weeks. Pain was assessed using the Visual Analogue Scale, functional disability through the Foot and Ankle Disability Index, and dynamic balance through the Y Balance Test. Data were analyzed using SPSS version 27.0.

Results: The mean age was 28.15 ± 4.62 years in Group A and 26.64 ± 5.10 years in Group B. Post-treatment VAS scores were significantly lower in Group A than Group B (3.60 ± 1.60 vs. 4.45 ± 1.42, p = 0.026). FADI scores were significantly higher in Group A than Group B (65.88 ± 7.27 vs. 62.00 ± 5.79, p = 0.019). Y Balance Test scores also showed significantly greater improvement in Group A compared with Group B (79.66 ± 3.54 vs. 76.93 ± 3.70, p = 0.003).

Conclusion: Sensor-based intelligent rehabilitation produced greater improvement in pain, disability, and dynamic balance than proprioceptive neuromuscular facilitation, suggesting its practical value as an effective rehabilitation approach for functional ankle instability.

Keywords: Ankle Injuries; Ankle Joint; Exercise Therapy; Pain; Postural Balance; Proprioception; Rehabilitation

Author Biographies

  • Dr. Arooj Rani, MS Scholar, Department of Physical Therapy and Rehabilitation Science, Superior University, Lahore.

    MS Scholar, Department of Physical Therapy and Rehabilitation Science, Superior University, Lahore.

  • Dr. Zohaib Rana, Associate Professor Department of Physical Therapy and Rehabilitation, Superior University, Lahore.

    Associate Professor Department of Physical Therapy and Rehabilitation, Superior University, Lahore. 

  • Dr. Zainab Fareed, MS Scholar, Department of Physical Therapy and Rehabilitation Science, Superior University, Lahore.

    MS Scholar, Department of Physical Therapy and Rehabilitation Science, Superior University, Lahore.

  • Dr. Ayesha Fareed, MS Scholar, Department of Physical Therapy and Rehabilitation Science, Superior University, Lahore.

    MS Scholar, Department of Physical Therapy and Rehabilitation Science, Superior University, Lahore.

  • Dr. Amina Kainat, Consultant Physiotherapist

    Consultant Physiotherapist

  • Dr. Maiza Malik Mustafaq, MS Scholar, Department of Physical Therapy and Rehabilitation Science, Superior University, Lahore.

    MS Scholar, Department of Physical Therapy and Rehabilitation Science, Superior University, Lahore.

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Published

2026-06-08

Issue

Vol. 4 No. 5 (2026): Volume 4 Issue 5 (2026)

Section

Articles

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Copyright (c) 2026 Dr. Arooj Rani, Dr. Zohaib Rana, Dr. Zainab Fareed, Dr. Ayesha Fareed, Dr. Amina Kainat, Dr. Maiza Malik Mustafaq (Author)

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How to Cite

1.
Dr. Arooj Rani, Dr. Zohaib Rana, Dr. Zainab Fareed, Dr. Ayesha Fareed, Dr. Amina Kainat, Dr. Maiza Malik Mustafaq. SENSOR-BASED INTELLIGENT REHABILITATION VERSUS PNF FOR FUNCTIONAL ANKLE INSTABILITY: A RANDOMIZED CONTROLLED TRIAL. IJHR [Internet]. 2026 Jun. 8 [cited 2026 Jun. 8];4(5):1-8. Available from: https://insightsjhr.com/index.php/home/article/view/1685