Comparative Effects of Closed-Chain Exercises Versus Mobilization with Movement on Pain, Range of Motion, Balance, and Function in Professional Footballers with Ankle Sprains

Objective: The purpose of this experimental research was to compare the effects of closed-kinetic-chain exercises (CKCE) versus mobilization with movement (MWM) on pain, range of motion (ROM), balance, and functional outcomes before and after 4 weeks of training in professional footballers with an ankle sprain.Material and Methods: The football players with inversion ankle sprain (N=40) were equally and randomly assigned to 2 groups. Participants in intervention group A (n=20) received the closed-kinetic-chain exercises, whereas participants in intervention group B (n=20 underwent mobilization with the movement technique. Each participant received the intervention every other day for 4 consecutive weeks. Pain, range of motion, balance, functional ability, and sprint performance were assessed. All outcomes were measured one day before and after the intervention.Results: Within-group analysis showed significant improvements in pain, range of motion, balance, functional stability, and sprint performance for both CKCE and MWM. Between-group comparisons revealed that MWM was superior in enhancing range of motion and reducing pain, whereas CKCE achieved greater gains in balance, functional stability, and sprint performance.Conclusion: Both groups demonstrated statistically significant improvements in pain reduction, range of motion, balance, and functional outcomes in footballers with ankle sprains; however, mobilization with movement was found to be more effective overall compared to closed kinetic chain exercise.