Targeted Ankle Proprioceptive Training Improves Balance, Gait, and Functional Mobility in Chronic Stroke Survivors

Stroke is a leading cause of long-term disability, with balance and gait deficits affecting \>80% of survivors and increasing fall risk. Emerging evidence links ankle proprioceptive impairment-particularly inversion/eversion acuity-to these deficits, often bilateral and central in origin. Cross-sectional studies show strong associations, but causality, temporal progression, and intervention efficacy (especially in severe/non-ambulatory cases) remain unproven. This trial tests a targeted proprioceptive protocol against standard care.