BACKGROUND/OBJECTIVES: Adolescent female basketball players are frequently affected by lateral ankle sprains that may progress to chronic ankle instability (CAI) if not adequately managed. This double-blind, prospective, cluster-randomized controlled trial aimed to compare the effects of hop-stabilization training (hop training) and those of traditional balance training on ankle instability and functional performance of this population. METHODS: Thirty-two adolescent female basketball players with CAI were cluster-randomized into the hop training group (HG; n = 16) or balance training group (BG; n = 16). Participants completed three 20 min sessions per week for 6 weeks. The hop training protocol comprised multiplanar hopping exercises with progressive increases in the landing volume and an emphasis on controlled landing mechanics. The balance training protocol included single-leg stance and basketball-specific dynamic activities with gradually increasing difficulty. Primary outcomes were self-reported ankle stability (Cumberland ankle instability tool (CAIT) score) and performance test results (t-test, lateral hop test, figure-8 hop test results). Secondary outcomes included static and dynamic balance and isometric ankle strength (dorsiflexion (DF), plantar flexion, inversion, eversion (EV)). Assessments were conducted at baseline and after interventions. RESULTS: The HG and BG exhibited significant improvements in CAIT scores and balance. However, the HG demonstrated significantly greater enhancements in dynamic performance test results and notable improvements in DF and EV strength compared to those of the BG. CONCLUSIONS: Hop training comprising the close replication of the multidirectional and dynamic demands of basketball was more effective than traditional balance training for enhancing functional performance and ankle strength.

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