Provide a sport-specific rehab exercise for a sprained ankle.

• A. Single-leg balance on an unstable surface with eyes open/closed, progressing to hop variations and lateral bounds
• B. Seated leg extensions with light weights
• C. Sprint training at maximal effort
• D. Wall push-ups

Answer: (A)

Restoring stability and neuromuscular control around the ankle is a priority after a sprain. Training that focuses on balance on one leg while the base is unstable directly challenges the ankle’s stabilising muscles and proprioceptors, helping the body learn to respond to shifts in weight and uneven surfaces you’ll encounter in sport.

Starting with a single-leg stance on an unstable surface, you build the connection between perception and movement, so the ankle can automatically adjust to keep you upright. Adding eyes closed or perturbations increases sensory demands, further enhancing proprioception and reactive control. Progressing to hop variations and lateral bounds then introduces dynamic loading, plyometrics, and sport-like movements while maintaining control and proper alignment. This progression mirrors how athletes load and move their ankles during running, cutting, and changing direction, supporting safer return to play.

The other options don’t target the ankle’s stability and functional control in weight-bearing tasks. Seated leg extensions with light weights mainly stress the knee and quadriceps and don’t address ankle proprioception or stability. Sprinting at maximal effort asks the body to perform highly demanding actions too early, potentially risking re-injury if the ankle isn’t ready. Wall push-ups develop upper-body strength and have no relevance to ankle rehab.