Chronic ankle instability: a trial will evaluate auditory biofeedback during walking

An intervention targeting altered walking patterns

Chronic ankle instability can involve repeated injuries, a persistent feeling of instability and altered walking patterns. According to the abstract, these biomechanical changes are considered a factor that could contribute to poorer long-term joint health. This does not prove that correcting them will be enough to prevent further sprains.

The researchers propose studying a progressive auditory biofeedback program during walking training. The aim is to determine whether this approach changes lower-limb movements and forces, and whether those changes are accompanied by benefits that participants can perceive.

A planned six-week trial with extended follow-up

The multicenter trial aims to enroll 100 people with chronic ankle instability, randomly assigned to a control group or an auditory biofeedback group. Both groups are to follow a progressive six-week program comprising 12 sessions of walking, walking with added load and treadmill running. The abstract does not provide enough detail about the auditory feedback to describe precisely how it works.

Assessments are planned before the intervention, immediately afterward, and at six and twelve months. They cover lower-limb biomechanics, talar cartilage characteristics measured by ultrasound, perceived instability and limitations, and new sprains. The frequency of giving-way episodes will also be compared with that reported before the intervention.

A relevant clinical question, but not yet an answer

The planned follow-up will allow the evaluation to extend beyond an immediate change in walking patterns. However, a biomechanical or ultrasound improvement alone would not demonstrate a reduction in injuries: results on sprains and giving-way episodes will be needed to assess the program’s practical value.

The abstract states that 19 participants had been enrolled as of August 2026 and that the final report was expected in June 2029. These dates remain provisional. At this stage, the publication provides no basis for recommending auditory biofeedback or turning it into a program to follow.

What we can take away

This trial asks a useful question: can changing walking patterns with auditory feedback produce lasting improvements in an unstable ankle? The protocol alone cannot yet answer it.