Targeted ankle proprioceptive training improves balance, gait, and functional mobility in chronic stroke…

Randomized trialJournal of neuroengineering and rehabilitation· May 2026

Targeted ankle proprioceptive training improves balance, gait, and functional mobility in chronic stroke survivors: a multicenter randomized controlled trial with longitudinal follow-up.

Muslim Khan, Ayman Abdullah Alhammad, Mshari Alghadier … Edward Muteesasira

Stroke RehabilitationRandomized trialQ1IF 6.0

Improved ankle inversion sense explains most functional recovery in severe stroke survivors

Targeted ankle proprioceptive training improves balance, gait, and functional mobility in chronic stroke survivors: a multicenter randomized controlled trial with longitudinal follow-up.

Muslim Khan … Edward Muteesasira

Journal of neuroengineering and rehabilitation · May 2026 · Q1 in Rehabilitation

Background

One of the most common predictors of post-stroke balance and gait problems is ankle proprioceptive impairment.

Purpose

To determine the causal effects of ankle proprioceptive training on balance, gait, and mobility in moderate-to-severe and non-ambulatory chronic stroke survivors, and to examine the long-term impact of proprioception training across different stroke stages.

Methods

A total of 132 participants (mean age 58.4 ± 11.2 years; 18 to 72 months post stroke) completed the 12 weeks of intervention and immediate post-intervention assessments, (68 were randomly assigned to the intervention group(proprioceptive ankle training) while 64 to the control group(standard rehabilitation)).

n = 132 participants

72%

Results

72%

improved ankle inversion sense drove most of the functional recovery

n = 132 participants

More results

The intervention led to significant and clinically meaningful improvements in proprioception (inversion Δ = 0.21), balance(Berg Balance Scale + 12.4 points), gait speed (+ 0.32 m/s)(TUG), and mobility(10-MWT, FM-LE, Functional Ambulation Category), which were sustained at 6-month follow-up (all p < 0.001).

More results

Benefits were evenly observed in severe/non-ambulatory individuals who experienced a stroke.

Longitudinal data indicated a progressive bilateral decline, with the earliest and steepest drop occurring in inversion.

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Conclusion · 1 of 2

Targeted proprioceptive exercises are causally efficacious in enhancing functional recovery across all levels of severity in post stroke populations and it therefore compliments routine clinical practice.

Conclusion · 2 of 2

Trial registration This study was retrospectively registered at Clinical Trials.gov (Registration Number NCT07420608) on 18th February,2026.

Targeted ankle proprioceptive training improves balance, gait, and functional mobility in chronic stroke survivors: a multicenter randomized controlled trial with longitudinal follow-up.

Targeted ankle proprioceptive training improves balance, gait, and functional mobility in chronic stroke survivors: a multicenter randomized controlled trial with longitudinal follow-up.

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