Effects of Dual Task Training on Balance and Functional Performance in High School Soccer Players with Functional Ankle Instability

Purpose: This study was conducted to identify the effects of dual task training on balance and functional performance in high school soccer players with functional ankle instability. Methods: Twenty high school soccer players with functional ankle instability were randomly assigned to a single task training group and a dual task training group. One participant who did not participate regularly in the training was excluded. The single task training group (n=9) received balance training on an unstable surface. The dual task training group (n=10) received balance training on an unstable surface and had to catch thrown balls during the balance training. Both groups were trained for 4 weeks, 3 days a week. The balance and functional performance of both groups was measured before and after training. Balance was measured using an anterior-posterior and medio-lateral balance. Functional performance was measured based on a figure-of-8 hop test, up-down hop test, and a single hop test. All data were analyzed by repeated two-way ANOVA tests. Results: A time by group interaction effect was not observed in the medio-lateral balance test, figure-of-8 hop test, or single hop test (p>0.05). A time by group interaction effect was observed in the anterior-posterior balance and up-down hop test (p<0.05). Conclusion: These results suggest that dual task training improved balance and functional performance better than single task training for some items.