Exercise improves physical function in young women with functional ankle instability: a randomized controlled trial of 8-week structured high-intensity circuit training on balance, ankle function, and physical fitness.

ABSTRACT:

Background

Prolonged sedentary behavior in women is associated with weakened lower-body musculature and increased risk of falls and injury. Although high-intensity circuit training (HICT) has been reported to effectively improve aerobic and anaerobic fitness in previously inactive individuals, few studies have evaluated its effectiveness in young women with functional ankle instability (FAI).

Objective

We aimed to evaluate the effect of an 8-week HICT program on balance, ankle stability, and physical fitness in sedentary young women with FAI.

Method

This randomized controlled trial included 96 sedentary young women with FAI (aged 18-30 years, Cumberland Ankle Instability Tool (CAIT) < 25), who were randomly assigned to the HICT (n = 54) or control (n = 42) groups. The

SUBMITTER: Liao Q 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC12811444 | biostudies-literature | 2026 Apr

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature