BACKGROUND: Blood Flow Restriction (BFR) training has gained popularity as a novel training strategy in athletes and rehabilitation settings in recent years. OBJECTIVE: To investigate whether BFR as a stand-alone treatment would affect muscle strength, dynamic balance, and physical function in female patients with chronic ankle instability (CAI). METHODS: Thirty-nine patients with CAI were randomly allocated into 1 of 3 groups: BFR as a stand-alone (BFR) group, BFR with rehabilitation (BFR plus R) group, and rehabilitation (R) group. All groups trained 3 times per week for 4 weeks. One week before and after the intervention, strength of muscles around ankle joint, 3 dynamic balance indices: Overall Stability Index, Anterior-Posterior Stability Index, and Medial-Lateral Stability Index, and physical function were assessed via an isokinetic dynamometer, the Biodex Balance System, and the Foot and Ankle Disability Index, respectively. RESULTS: The strength of muscles around ankle and dynamic balance indices improved significantly in BFR plus R and R groups (p < 0.006), but not in BFR group (p > 0.006). All dynamic balance indices showed improvement in BFR plus R and R groups except the Medial-Lateral Stability Index (p > 0.006). Foot and Ankle Disability Index increased significantly in BFR plus R and R groups (p < 0.006), however; no improvement occurred in BFR group (p > 0.006). CONCLUSIONS: The BFR as a stand-alone treatment hasn't the ability to improve the strength of muscles around the ankle, dynamic balance, and physical function in females with CAI compared to the BFR plus R or the R program. In addition, the strength of muscles around the ankle correlated significantly with both dynamic balance and physical function in BFR plus R and R groups.

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