The Effect of a Rehabilitation Program on Improving Dynamic Balance and Functional Stability of the Ankle Joint in Tennis Players with Grade II Ankle Sprain

Section: Physical Education and Sport Sciences
Issue
Vol. 29 No. 91 (2026): VOL.29 NO.91
Article History
Received: 2026-04-04
Revised: 2026-05-10
Accepted: 2026-05-19
Published: 2026-10-15
Pages
52-68

Abstract

The research aims to:


Ankle joint injuries are among the most prevalent injuries in sports, particularly in tennis, due to the high demands of rapid movements, sudden stops, changes in direction, and repetitive jumping and landing. This study aimed to examine the effect of a rehabilitation program on selected physical variables and fear of re-injury associated with Grade II ankle sprains in tennis players.


An experimental approach using a one-group pre-test–post-test design was employed to suit the nature of the research problem. The sample consisted of five injured tennis players recruited from three sports clubs who had completed initial medical treatment and were cleared for a gradual return to activity. The rehabilitation program was implemented over eight weeks, with three sessions per week, incorporating dynamic balance exercises, functional strength training, neuromuscular control exercises, as well as agility, flexibility, and coordination drills.


Assessment tools included tests of dynamic balance, single-leg hop performance, agility, flexibility, and fear of re-injury to evaluate functional improvements. The results demonstrated that the rehabilitation program significantly enhanced dynamic balance and functional stability of the ankle joint. Furthermore, it contributed to reducing the sensation of instability and fear of re-injury among the participants.


The study recommends the adoption of structured rehabilitation programs for managing Grade II ankle sprains in athletes, with particular emphasis on integrating psychological aspects, especially fear of re-injury, into rehabilitation protocols. It also highlights the importance of continuing rehabilitation exercises beyond apparent recovery to prevent recurrence and suggests conducting further studies on larger samples and different lower-limb injuries..

Keywords:

Neuromuscular rehabilitation, ankle joint, dynamic balance, functional stability, tennis.

References

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Author

Ahmed Ali Hussein

General Directorate of Education, Diyala

Identifiers

DOI: 10.33899/rjss.v29i91.62351

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The Effect of a Rehabilitation Program on Improving Dynamic Balance and Functional Stability of the Ankle Joint in Tennis Players with Grade II Ankle Sprain. (2026). Al-Rafidain Journal For Sport Sciences, 29(91), 52-68. https://doi.org/10.33899/rjss.v29i91.62351
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How to Cite

The Effect of a Rehabilitation Program on Improving Dynamic Balance and Functional Stability of the Ankle Joint in Tennis Players with Grade II Ankle Sprain. (2026). Al-Rafidain Journal For Sport Sciences, 29(91), 52-68. https://doi.org/10.33899/rjss.v29i91.62351