The superior joint position sense and balance play an important
preventive role in gymnasts who are at risk for recurrent
ankle sprains. Gymnasts in this study demonstrated a higher
incidence of balance and superior joint position sense in their
ankle than the nongymnastic group as measured by the
one-legged standing balance task, single-limb-hopping course
test and active and passive joint position sense test. Although
our results cannot be extrapolated to balance abilities during
complex gymnastic routines, they do suggest that physical
therapy assessment should include active and passive joint position
as well as one-legged standing balance task, singlelimb-hopping
course test, and that the need for clinicians to
assess balance and proprioceptive deficits in athletes who sustain
one or more ankle sprains. Such information, in conjunction
with clinical data, can provide clinicians additional clinical
insight for classifying or categorizing impaired posture
and/or movement conditions with a focus on causal elements.
This information might be useful for identifying gymnasts who
are at risk for recurrent ankle sprains. In addition, it is recommended
that rehabilitation programs for athletes include balance
training and, more specifically for gymnasts, balance rehabilitation
programs that incorporate elements of their
gymnastic routines.