The Relationship between Hip Function and Chronic Ankle Instability: Implications for Rehabilitation

Abstract

Chronic ankle instability (CAI) is a common sequela of ankle sprain, characterized by a high recurrence rate and long-term functional impairment. Traditional rehabilitation methods mainly focus on local ankle training, often neglecting the role of proximal muscle groups in maintaining the overall stability of the lower limbs, which limits the therapeutic effect. Both clinical and experimental studies have shown that poor hip function can alter the pattern of movement coordination and increase the compensatory burden on the ankle, allowing CAI to persist. Evidence shows that hip strengthening training, including open and closed kinetic chain exercises, can improve balance, motor control, and joint stability, sometimes surpassing ankle training alone. Combining hip training with gait retraining, neuromuscular control training, and specialized exercise practice can further enhance the rehabilitation effect. The use of quantitative assessment tools and the formulation of individualized rehabilitation pathways have received increasing attention. Currently, research still faces some challenges, such as the lack of standardized training programs, insufficient large-scale randomized controlled trials, and unclear neurophysiological mechanisms. This review aims to explore the role of hip muscle function in ankle stability, providing practical suggestions for incorporating hip-focused intervention measures into CAI rehabilitation to improve long-term recovery.