To observe the effect of proprioceptive neuromuscular facilitation (PNF) technology combined with core stability training on the rehabilitation of patients with functional ankle instability (FAI).

Twenty FAI patients were randomly divided into an experimental group and a control group, each of 10. The control group was given routine rehabilitation together with ankle strengthening training and proprioception training. The experimental group was provided with PNF combined with core stability training in addition to the routine rehabilitation. Before and after the 12 training sessions, both groups were evaluated using the Cumberland ankle instability tool (CAIT). The strength of their ankle flexors and extensors was measured in isokinetic concentric contraction, ankle proprioception was tested and the star excursion balance test (SEBT) was administered.

Before the intervention there were no significant inter-group differences in any of the measurements. Afterward, significant improvements were observed in the first three tests, with the experimental group′s average improvement significantly better than that of the control group. All of the SEBT measurements were significantly better than before the treatment, with significant differences between the two groups in the posterolateral, posterior, posteromedial, medial and anteromedial directions.

PNF technology combined with core stability training can improve ankle strength and proprioception and the dynamic balance of FAI patients.

Ankles; Instability; Proprioceptive neuromuscular facilitation; Core strength