Proprioception, Postural BalanceCAINCT07266649
Effects of Pilates Training on Ankle Proprioception, Postural Control and Performance in Footballers With Chronic Ankle Instability
A study testing Pilates exercises and Balance exercises in people with Proprioception, Postural Balance and Performance, run by Lahore University of Biological and Applied Sciences.
Trial summary
This study aims to contribute to the effects of Pilates training on ankle proprioception, postural control, and performance in football players with chronic ankle instability. Eighty eight participants will be randomly allocated into two groups and will receive both Pilates and balance training for eight weeks. Read more about this study
- Who is it for?
- Ages 22 to 35 years, men only
- Conditions the study is for
- Proprioception, Postural Balance, Performance, Chronic Ankle Instability, CAI
- What is being tested?
- Pilates exercises and Balance exercises
- Could I receive a placebo?
- No, everyone receives an active treatment
- How many people
- 88 participants
- Where
- No sites listed yet
- Study dates
- 25 Nov 2025to 30 May 2026
- Phase
- Interventional
- Are there results?
- Not yet: the study is under way
Key requirements
Who can take part, as listed by the sponsor. Only the study team can confirm whether you are eligible, so take this list to your doctor.
- Ages 22 to 35 years
- Men only
- No healthy volunteers
- Adult
Who may be able to join
- Male footballers aged 22-35
- History of unilateral ankle sprain in past 12 months
- Inability to bear weight post-injury
- CAIT score < 24
- Minimum of 1-year experience in football
Who cannot join
- Bilateral ankle sprains
- Lower limb fractures or surgeries
- Neurological conditions (e.g., MS, CMT, Stroke)
Trial locations and contacts
No sites are listed yet. Contact the study team or a site near you to ask about taking part.
About this study
This study aims to contribute to the effects of Pilates training on ankle proprioception, postural control, and performance in football players with chronic ankle instability. Eighty eight participants will be randomly allocated into two groups and will receive both Pilates and balance training for eight weeks. it is hypothesized that the group that will receive Pilates taring will produce greater improvements as compared to other group.
Read the detailed description
Chronic ankle instability is a frequently encountered issue in footballers, characterized by repeated episodes of the ankle "giving way," resulting in functional limitations and increased risk of future injuries. Conventional rehabilitation protocols often fail to restore optimal neuromuscular control, particularly proprioceptive and postural capabilities. Given the demands of football, this deficit can significantly hinder athletic performance and increase injury susceptibility. While Pilates-based rehabilitation has shown promise in improving core strength, balance, and neuromuscular coordination, there is a paucity of research examining its role in the context of CAI. This study addresses this research gap by assessing the effectiveness of Pilates training in improving key functional deficits among footballers with CAI, potentially informing more effective and sport-specific rehabilitation strategies.
Participants will be randomized into two groups:
- Pilates Training Group
- Control Group Intervention The intervention will last [insert duration 8 weeks], with participants attending three supervised sessions per week. Each session will last 60 minutes and will be led by a qualified physical therapist experienced in Pilates and sports rehabilitation.
After the intervention period, post-intervention assessments using the same outcome tools will be conducted by the same blinded assessor under identical conditions to the baseline evaluation. Any adverse events or dropouts will be recorded throughout the study.
Group A: Pilates Intervention Group Duration: 8 weeks (3 sessions/week) Session Duration: 60 minutes per session Equipment Used: Yoga mat, resistance bands, Pilates ring, small stability ball, foam roller.
Structure of Each Session:
Phase Time Activities Warm-Up 10 min Gentle dynamic stretches and mobility exercises (e.g., neck rolls, shoulder circles, hip openers, ankle circles) Core Pilates Training 40 min - Beginner-Intermediate Mat Pilates targeting core, hips, gluts, and lower leg muscles - Sample Exercises: - Pelvic tilts - Hundred - Single-leg stretch - Shoulder bridge with ankle engagement - Side-lying leg circles - Toe taps and leg lifts with ankle focus Cool Down 10 min Static stretching, deep breathing, and relaxation techniques
Progression:
Exercises will be progressed weekly by:
- Increasing repetitions and sets
- Reducing support (e.g., double leg to single leg)
- Incorporating dynamic and unstable surfaces (foam pads, balance discs) Group B: Control Group Duration: 8 weeks (3 sessions/week) Session Duration: 60 minutes per session Equipment Used: Balance board, wobble disc, cones, foam pads, resistance bands.
Structure of Each Session:
Phase Time Activities Warm-Up 10 min Light jogging, ankle mobility drills, dynamic stretching Balance Training 40 min - Static and Dynamic Balance Drills: - Single-leg stance (eyes open/closed) - Wobble board balancing - Star excursion balance test practice - Tandem walking on a line - Forward/backward hops on one leg - Cone drills with reach tasks and steps up Cool Down 10 min Ankle and lower limb stretching, breathing techniques
Progression:
- Decrease base of support
- Introduce perturbations (e.g., partner tapping)
- Dual-task activities (catching, counting, etc.)
- Being tested
- Pilates exercises, Balance exercises
- Keywords
- Chronic Ankle Instability, proprioception, Postural Control, Performance
What participants receive
What participants receive. In a randomised study each person is assigned to one group by chance.
Pilates exercisesOther
Duration: 8 weeks (3 sessions/week) Session Duration: 60 minutes per session Equipment Used: Yoga mat, resistance bands, Pilates ring, small stability ball, foam roller.
Structure of Each Session:
Phase Time Activities Warm-Up 10 min Gentle dynamic stretches and mobility exercises (e.g., neck rolls, shoulder circles, hip openers, ankle circles) Core Pilates Training 40 min - Beginner-Intermediate Mat Pilates targeting core, hips, gluts, and lower leg muscles - Sample Exercises: - Pelvic tilts - Hundred - Single-leg stretch - Shoulder bridge with ankle engagement - Side-lying leg circles - Toe taps and leg lifts with ankle focus Cool Down 10 min Static stretching, deep breathing, and relaxation techniques
Progression:
Exercises will be progressed weekly by:
- Increasing repetitions and sets
- Reducing support (e.g., double leg to single leg)
- Incorporating dynamic and unstable surfaces (foam pads, balance discs)
Balance exercisesOther
Group B: Control Group Duration: 8 weeks (3 sessions/week) Session Duration: 60 minutes per session Equipment Used: Balance board, wobble disc, cones, foam pads, resistance bands.
Structure of Each Session:
Phase Time Activities Warm-Up 10 min Light jogging, ankle mobility drills, dynamic stretching Balance Training 40 min - Static and Dynamic Balance Drills: - Single-leg stance (eyes open/closed) - Wobble board balancing - Star excursion balance test practice - Tandem walking on a line - Forward/backward hops on one leg - Cone drills with reach tasks and steps up Cool Down 10 min Ankle and lower limb stretching, breathing techniques
Progression:
- Decrease base of support
- Introduce perturbations (e.g., partner tapping)
- Dual-task activities (catching, counting, etc.)
| Study group | Role | What they receive |
|---|---|---|
| Group A | Experimental | Pilates training group Receives: Other: Pilates exercises |
| Group B | Experimental | Balance training group Receives: Other: Balance exercises |
What is being measured
The primary outcome is the main question the study is designed to answer.
Postural control
The YBT has the patient stand on one leg while reaching out in 3 different directions with the other lower extremity. They are anterior, posteromedial and posterolateral. When using the Y-Balance test kit, the 3 reaches yield a "composite reach distance" or composite score used to predict injury.
Measured: Base line before intervention after 8 weeks post intervention
ankle proprioception
The goniometer was used to measure the ankle proprioception. Testing was performed the way that the person would sit on a chair so that a 90-degree angle of thigh and knee was maintained, and the height of the chair was such that the soles of the individual could not reach the ground. Then the person's foot was positioned with the goniometer in such a way that the eyes of the person were closed. Then the individual foot was inactively taken to the midrange. This angle was 10 degrees for dorsiflexion, 20 degrees for plantar flexion, 15 degrees for inversion and 10 degrees for eversion. Afterwards, the person was asked to actively re-create the desired angle with his closed eye; the test was performed three times, and the mean of three times of the angle of reconstruction determined the individual's score in each of the state.
Measured: Baseline: Before intervention 8 weeks post-intervention
performance
The Foot and Ankle Ability Measure (FAAM) is a self-report outcome instrument developed to assess physical function for individuals with foot and ankle related impairments. This self-report outcome instrument is available in English, German, French and Persian. The Foot and Ankle Ability Measure is a 29-item questionnaire divided into two subscales: The Foot and Ankle Ability Measure, 21-item Activities of Daily Living Subscale and the Foot and Ankle Ability Measure, 8-item Sports Subscale. The Sports subscale assesses more difficult tasks that are essential to sport, it is a population-specific subscale designed for athletes.
Measured: base line before intervention and 8 weeks post intervention
Timeline
From the start of the study to its completion; the mark is today. Estimated dates are the sponsor’s plan.
- First posted5 Dec 2025
- Study start25 Nov 2025 (estimated)
- Primary completion25 May 2026 (estimated)
- Study completion30 May 2026 (estimated)
Resources
- Official record on ClinicalTrials.govThe registry entry this page is built from, with its full change history.
- Publications (4)Papers the sponsor has linked to this study.
- Other trials for Proprioception, Postural BalanceStudies of the same condition, open and under way.
- More trials run by Lahore University of Biological and Applied SciencesThe sponsor's other registered studies.
- What the trial phases meanHow a treatment moves from first tests in people to approval.
More details
For doctors and researchers: how the study is designed, who runs it, and its registry IDs.
Study design
- Study type
- Interventional
- Phase
- Phase N/A
- Primary purpose
- Treatment
- Allocation
- Randomised
- Intervention model
- Parallel groups
- Masking
- Single blind
- Who is masked
- Outcomes assessor
- Enrolment
- 88 participants (estimated)
Sponsor and investigators
- Sponsor type
- University, hospital or other
- Responsible party
- Sponsor
- Investigators
- Muhammad Tariq Shafi, Study chair, Lahore University of Biological and Applied Sciences
IDs, dates and publications
- ClinicalTrials.gov ID
- NCT07266649
- Sponsor's protocol ID
- UBAS/ERB/FoRS/25/020
- Acronym
- CAI
- Status last verified
- Nov 2025
- First submitted
- 24 Nov 2025
- Last updated
- 5 Dec 2025
- Results posted
- No
- Data monitoring committee
- Yes
- FDA-regulated drug
- No
- FDA-regulated device
- No
- Individual data sharing
- No
Publications
Ghorbani M, Yaali R, Sadeghi H, Granacher U. Effects of Pilates Exercise Training on Static Balance and Lower Limbs Proprioception in Adult Females With and Without Flexible Flatfeet. Foot Ankle Spec. 2026 Apr;19(2):196-205. doi: 10.1177/19386400241279930. Epub 2024 Sep 26.
PubMed 39324770Zhang C, Chen N, Wang J, Zhang Z, Jiang C, Chen Z, Fang J, Peng J, Li W, Song B. The Prevalence and Characteristics of Chronic Ankle Instability in Elite Athletes of Different Sports: A Cross-Sectional Study. J Clin Med. 2022 Dec 16;11(24):7478. doi: 10.3390/jcm11247478.
PubMed 36556094Alghadir AH, Iqbal ZA, Iqbal A, Ahmed H, Ramteke SU. Effect of Chronic Ankle Sprain on Pain, Range of Motion, Proprioception, and Balance among Athletes. Int J Environ Res Public Health. 2020 Jul 23;17(15):5318. doi: 10.3390/ijerph17155318.
PubMed 32718066Ziaei Ziabari E, Haghpanahi M, Razi M, Lubberts B, Ashkani-Esfahani S, DiGiovanni CW. The Effects of Chronic Ankle Instability on the Biomechanics of the Uninjured, Contralateral Ankle During Gait. Orthop Surg. 2022 Sep;14(9):2238-2244. doi: 10.1111/os.13307. Epub 2022 Jul 19.
PubMed 35852096
Study at a glance
From the registry record, last updated by the sponsor on 5 Dec 2025. Recruitment status is as the sponsor reported it: confirm with the study team.
- Official title
- Effects of Pilates Training on Ankle Proprioception, Postural Control and Performance in Footballers With Chronic Ankle Instability
- ClinicalTrials.gov ID
- NCT07266649
- Acronym / sponsor ID
- CAI / UBAS/ERB/FoRS/25/020
- Keywords
- Chronic Ankle Instability, proprioception, Postural Control, Performance
- Study type
- Interventional
- Recruitment status
- Not yet recruiting
- Enrolment
- 88 participants (estimated)
- Lead sponsor
- Lahore University of Biological and Applied SciencesUniversity, hospital or other
- Study start
- 25 Nov 2025 (estimated)
- Primary completion
- 25 May 2026 (estimated)
- Study completion
- 30 May 2026 (estimated)
- First posted
- 5 Dec 2025 (actual)
- Results
- Not posted in the source record
Clinical summary
The research question as the sponsor registered it. This describes what the study plans to test, not what it found.
This study aims to contribute to the effects of Pilates training on ankle proprioception, postural control, and performance in football players with chronic ankle instability. Eighty eight participants will be randomly allocated into two groups and will receive both Pilates and balance training for eight weeks. it is hypothesized that the group that will receive Pilates taring will produce greater improvements as compared to other group.
Detailed description
Chronic ankle instability is a frequently encountered issue in footballers, characterized by repeated episodes of the ankle "giving way," resulting in functional limitations and increased risk of future injuries. Conventional rehabilitation protocols often fail to restore optimal neuromuscular control, particularly proprioceptive and postural capabilities. Given the demands of football, this deficit can significantly hinder athletic performance and increase injury susceptibility. While Pilates-based rehabilitation has shown promise in improving core strength, balance, and neuromuscular coordination, there is a paucity of research examining its role in the context of CAI. This study addresses this research gap by assessing the effectiveness of Pilates training in improving key functional deficits among footballers with CAI, potentially informing more effective and sport-specific rehabilitation strategies.
Participants will be randomized into two groups:
- Pilates Training Group
- Control Group Intervention The intervention will last [insert duration 8 weeks], with participants attending three supervised sessions per week. Each session will last 60 minutes and will be led by a qualified physical therapist experienced in Pilates and sports rehabilitation.
After the intervention period, post-intervention assessments using the same outcome tools will be conducted by the same blinded assessor under identical conditions to the baseline evaluation. Any adverse events or dropouts will be recorded throughout the study.
Group A: Pilates Intervention Group Duration: 8 weeks (3 sessions/week) Session Duration: 60 minutes per session Equipment Used: Yoga mat, resistance bands, Pilates ring, small stability ball, foam roller.
Structure of Each Session:
Phase Time Activities Warm-Up 10 min Gentle dynamic stretches and mobility exercises (e.g., neck rolls, shoulder circles, hip openers, ankle circles) Core Pilates Training 40 min - Beginner-Intermediate Mat Pilates targeting core, hips, gluts, and lower leg muscles - Sample Exercises: - Pelvic tilts - Hundred - Single-leg stretch - Shoulder bridge with ankle engagement - Side-lying leg circles - Toe taps and leg lifts with ankle focus Cool Down 10 min Static stretching, deep breathing, and relaxation techniques
Progression:
Exercises will be progressed weekly by:
- Increasing repetitions and sets
- Reducing support (e.g., double leg to single leg)
- Incorporating dynamic and unstable surfaces (foam pads, balance discs) Group B: Control Group Duration: 8 weeks (3 sessions/week) Session Duration: 60 minutes per session Equipment Used: Balance board, wobble disc, cones, foam pads, resistance bands.
Structure of Each Session:
Phase Time Activities Warm-Up 10 min Light jogging, ankle mobility drills, dynamic stretching Balance Training 40 min - Static and Dynamic Balance Drills: - Single-leg stance (eyes open/closed) - Wobble board balancing - Star excursion balance test practice - Tandem walking on a line - Forward/backward hops on one leg - Cone drills with reach tasks and steps up Cool Down 10 min Ankle and lower limb stretching, breathing techniques
Progression:
- Decrease base of support
- Introduce perturbations (e.g., partner tapping)
- Dual-task activities (catching, counting, etc.)
Study design
- Primary purpose
- Treatment
- Allocation
- Randomised
- Intervention model
- Parallel groups
- Masking
- Single blind (outcomes assessor)
- Number of arms
- 2
| Arm | Type | Receives |
|---|---|---|
| Group A | Experimental | Other: Pilates exercisesPilates training group |
| Group B | Experimental | Other: Balance exercisesBalance training group |
Who may qualify
- Ages
- 22 to 35 years
- Sex
- Male only
- Healthy volunteers
- Not accepted
- Age groups
- Adult
Key inclusion criteria (5 listed)
- Male footballers aged 22-35
- History of unilateral ankle sprain in past 12 months
- Inability to bear weight post-injury
- CAIT score < 24
- Minimum of 1-year experience in football
Key exclusion criteria (3 listed)
- Bilateral ankle sprains
- Lower limb fractures or surgeries
- Neurological conditions (e.g., MS, CMT, Stroke)
Eligibility is decided by the study team after screening; this overview does not establish that a patient qualifies. Full inclusion and exclusion criteria.
Interventions
| Intervention | Type | Arms |
|---|---|---|
| Pilates exercisesDuration: 8 weeks (3 sessions/week) Session Duration: 60 minutes per session Equipment Used: Yoga mat, resistance bands, Pilates ring, small stability ball, foam roller. Structure of Each Session: Phase Time Activities Warm-Up 10 min Gentle dynamic stretches and mobility exercises (e.g., neck rolls, shoulder circles, hip openers, ankle circles) Core Pilates Training 40 min - Beginner-Intermediate Mat Pilates targeting core, hips, gluts, and lower leg muscles - Sample Exercises: - Pelvic tilts - Hundred - Single-leg stretch - Shoulder bridge with ankle engagement - Side-lying leg circles - Toe taps and leg lifts with ankle focus Cool Down 10 min Static stretching, deep breathing, and relaxation techniques Progression: Exercises will be progressed weekly by: * Increasing repetitions and sets * Reducing support (e.g., double leg to single leg) * Incorporating dynamic and unstable surfaces (foam pads, balance discs) | Other | Group A |
| Balance exercisesGroup B: Control Group Duration: 8 weeks (3 sessions/week) Session Duration: 60 minutes per session Equipment Used: Balance board, wobble disc, cones, foam pads, resistance bands. Structure of Each Session: Phase Time Activities Warm-Up 10 min Light jogging, ankle mobility drills, dynamic stretching Balance Training 40 min - Static and Dynamic Balance Drills: - Single-leg stance (eyes open/closed) - Wobble board balancing - Star excursion balance test practice - Tandem walking on a line - Forward/backward hops on one leg - Cone drills with reach tasks and steps up Cool Down 10 min Ankle and lower limb stretching, breathing techniques Progression: * Decrease base of support * Introduce perturbations (e.g., partner tapping) * Dual-task activities (catching, counting, etc.) | Other | Group B |
Primary outcome
Postural control
Time frame: Base line before intervention after 8 weeks post intervention
The YBT has the patient stand on one leg while reaching out in 3 different directions with the other lower extremity. They are anterior, posteromedial and posterolateral. When using the Y-Balance test kit, the 3 reaches yield a "composite reach distance" or composite score used to predict injury.
ankle proprioception
Time frame: Baseline: Before intervention 8 weeks post-intervention
The goniometer was used to measure the ankle proprioception. Testing was performed the way that the person would sit on a chair so that a 90-degree angle of thigh and knee was maintained, and the height of the chair was such that the soles of the individual could not reach the ground. Then the person's foot was positioned with the goniometer in such a way that the eyes of the person were closed. Then the individual foot was inactively taken to the midrange. This angle was 10 degrees for dorsiflexion, 20 degrees for plantar flexion, 15 degrees for inversion and 10 degrees for eversion. Afterwards, the person was asked to actively re-create the desired angle with his closed eye; the test was performed three times, and the mean of three times of the angle of reconstruction determined the individual's score in each of the state.
performance
Time frame: base line before intervention and 8 weeks post intervention
The Foot and Ankle Ability Measure (FAAM) is a self-report outcome instrument developed to assess physical function for individuals with foot and ankle related impairments. This self-report outcome instrument is available in English, German, French and Persian. The Foot and Ankle Ability Measure is a 29-item questionnaire divided into two subscales: The Foot and Ankle Ability Measure, 21-item Activities of Daily Living Subscale and the Foot and Ankle Ability Measure, 8-item Sports Subscale. The Sports subscale assesses more difficult tasks that are essential to sport, it is a population-specific subscale designed for athletes.
Results and safety
This study is still under way. Results are not available in the source record yet.
Research links
- Official record on ClinicalTrials.govLast updated by the sponsor 5 Dec 2025.
- Background: PubMed 39324770Ghorbani M, Yaali R, Sadeghi H, Granacher U. Effects of Pilates Exercise Training on Static Balance and Lower Limbs Proprioception in Adult Females With and Without Flexible Flatfeet. Foot Ankle Spec. 2026 Apr;19(2):196-205. doi: 10.1177/19386400241279930. Epub 2024 Sep 26.
- Background: PubMed 36556094Zhang C, Chen N, Wang J, Zhang Z, Jiang C, Chen Z, Fang J, Peng J, Li W, Song B. The Prevalence and Characteristics of Chronic Ankle Instability in Elite Athletes of Different Sports: A Cross-Sectional Study. J Clin Med. 2022 Dec 16;11(24):7478. doi: 10.3390/jcm11247478.
- Background: PubMed 32718066Alghadir AH, Iqbal ZA, Iqbal A, Ahmed H, Ramteke SU. Effect of Chronic Ankle Sprain on Pain, Range of Motion, Proprioception, and Balance among Athletes. Int J Environ Res Public Health. 2020 Jul 23;17(15):5318. doi: 10.3390/ijerph17155318.
- Background: PubMed 35852096Ziaei Ziabari E, Haghpanahi M, Razi M, Lubberts B, Ashkani-Esfahani S, DiGiovanni CW. The Effects of Chronic Ankle Instability on the Biomechanics of the Uninjured, Contralateral Ankle During Gait. Orthop Surg. 2022 Sep;14(9):2238-2244. doi: 10.1111/os.13307. Epub 2022 Jul 19.
- Individual participant dataSharing planned: No
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Referral and contact
AzTrials does not enrol participants or take referrals. Contact the study team or a site listed below; they decide who can take part.
Muhammad Tariq Shafi study chair
Lahore University of Biological and Applied Sciences
Questions about this trial
What is this clinical trial studying?
A study testing Pilates exercises and Balance exercises in people with Proprioception, Postural Balance and Performance, run by Lahore University of Biological and Applied Sciences.
The full registered description is in the About this study section and the official record.
Who may be eligible to take part?
The sponsor lists 5 inclusion and 3 exclusion criteria. Eligibility is decided by the study team after screening, so read the full criteria and contact a listed site.
Is this clinical trial currently recruiting?
The record says: opening soon, as of the sponsor's last update on 5 Dec 2025. Status can change between updates, so confirm with the study contact before making plans.
What are the possible benefits and risks?
They depend on the study and the treatment, and no study can promise a benefit. The study team explains the known risks during informed consent, before anyone joins; the record itself does not list them.
Are results available for this study?
This study is still under way. Results are not available in the source record yet.
How can a doctor refer a patient or contact the research team?
Contact Rabia Shaheen (+923201451094, rabiameer488@gmail.com), or a site near the patient. AzTrials does not enrol participants or take referrals.
What does the primary outcome measure?
Postural control (time frame: Base line before intervention after 8 weeks post intervention). The study lists 3 primary outcomes in all. It is what the study was designed to measure, not a finding.
Where can I read the original study information?
On the ClinicalTrials.gov record for NCT07266649, which also lists 4 linked publications.
Does a listing mean the treatment is approved or proven to work?
No. A listing means the study is registered. It does not show that the treatment is safe, works, or is approved by a regulator.
How often is this information updated?
AzTrials copies changed records from ClinicalTrials.gov every night and reloads the whole registry every week. The sponsor last updated this record on 5 Dec 2025.