Neurocognitive Enrichment During Functional Performance Testing in Chronic Ankle Instability

Inclusion Criteria: * Aged between 16 and 25 years. * Actively participating as a licensed football, basketball, or volleyball athlete. * History of at least one lateral ankle sprain occurring ≥12 months before study participation, associated with pain and/or swelling and resulting in at least one day of restricted physical activity. * History of recurrent ankle instability, defined as at least two episodes of giving way during the previous 6 months and/or recurrent ankle sprains. * Cumberland Ankle Instability Tool (CAIT) score ≤25. * Participating in regular sports training at least 3 times per week. * No ankle surgery within the previous 6 months. * Able to safely perform all functional performance tests. * Willing to undergo assessment of the more symptomatic ankle; in participants with bilateral chronic ankle instability, the ankle with the lower CAIT score will be evaluated. Exclusion Criteria: * Acute ankle sprain within the previous 6 weeks accompanied by significant pain, swelling, or functional limitation. * History of major lower-extremity surgery (e.g., knee, hip, or ankle surgery). * History of neurological, vestibular, or systemic disorders that may affect balance or motor performance. * Visual or cognitive impairments that could interfere with test performance. * Lower-extremity injuries other than ankle instability within the previous 6 months that may negatively affect functional performance.