Effect of Otago Exercise Program with Neuromuscular Electrical Stimulation on CAI

Chronic ankle instability (CAI) is a common functional disorder in older adults, affecting their balance and quality of life. Effective ways to enhance ankle stability and function remains a key for healthy aging. This study aims to explore the effects of the Otago Exercise Program (OEP) combined with Neuromuscular Electrical Stimulation (NMES) on ankle stability, the pain index, and balance ability in older adults aged 60 and above with CAI.  This study is a single-blind pilot randomized controlled trial with 34 completing the trial. Participants were randomly assigned to the OEP group, the combined group (OEP + NMES), and the control group. The intervention was 8 weeks. Evaluation was the Cumberland Ankle Instability Tool (CAIT), Visual Analog Scale (VAS), Eyes-closed Single-Leg Stance Test (UST), and the Modified Star Excursion Balance Test (mSEBT), with assessments conducted before the intervention, at week 4, and at week 8. After the intervention, all 3 groups showed significant improvements in CAIT, VAS, UST, and mSEBT scores (P < 0.05), with a large group × time effect observed for the primary outcome CAIT (partial η² = 0.414). The combined group (OEP + NMES) demonstrated the most significant improvement in CAIT and UST scores (P < 0.05) and outperformed the other 2 groups in dynamic balance in the posteromedial and posterolateral directions.  The combined intervention of OEP and NMES significantly improves ankle stability, both static and dynamic balance abilities, and alleviates pain in older adults with CAI. This combined approach offers a safe and effective rehabilitation strategy for older adults.

Source: Zhang Y, Shin MC, Tao Y, Yang K, Liu S. Effect of otago exercise program combined with neuromuscular electrical stimulation on chronic ankle instability in older adults: a pilot randomized controlled trial. J Clin Med. 2026 4;15(5):1968. doi: 10.3390/jcm15051968.