Objectives: To study the effects of Star Excursion Balance training on functional stability of athletes with ankle sprain.
Material and Method: Thirty-two male athletes with grade 2 ankle sprain, aged 15 – 22 years old were enrolled. They were random sampling into training group (n = 15) and control group (n = 17). All received conventional physical therapy program for 4 weeks. The training group also underwent the Star Excursion Balance training 3 days per week for 4 weeks. Single leg stance time (SLST) was assessed at pre- and posttraining. Re-injuries were recorded during 3 months follow-up.
Results: After the program, subjects from both groups demonstrated significant improvement in SLST. The training group gained SLST of the injured sides 2 times more than the control group (p=0.002 tested with eyes closed, p=0.007 tested with eyes open), and also improved the SLST during eyes closed of the normal sides (p=0.015). Re-injuries were found in 1/15 of the training group and 2/17 of the control group.
Conclusion: Star Excursion Balance training is more effective than the conventional therapy program in improving functional stability of the sprained ankle.

Keywords: Ankle sprain, Ankle stability, Star Excursion Balance, Single leg stance time