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Study identifies risk factors for non-contact ankle sprains in soccer players
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In this study, Greek researchers found functional strength asymmetries of the ankle flexors and higher body mass index increased the odds of ankle sprain among professional soccer players.
The study also highlighted age and asymmetries in ankle laxity as risk potential factors for sprains.
The investigators studied 100 professional soccer players who were without injury for at least 6 months prior to testing and were assessed in the preseason for potential risk factors for non-contact ankle sprains. All players followed approximately the same training regimen of 6 days or 7 days of training per week and one game a week. Researchers studied the players’ ankle joint asymmetries in isokinetic muscle strength, flexibility, proprioception, stability, somatrometric asymmetries, previous injuries and lateral dominance traits in the assessment. For 10 months, researchers prospectively recorded and diagnosed non-contact ankle sprains.
Overall, 17 of the players sustained at least one non-contact ankle sprain during the study period. Players with eccentric isokinetic ankle flexion strength asymmetries, higher body mass indexes and increased body weight had a significantly higher risk of sustaining non-contact ankle sprains. A greater risk for non-contact ankle sprains was also found in younger players and players with ankle laxity asymmetries.
“Proper prophylactic training and rehabilitation must emphasize the reduction of eccentric muscle strength asymmetries of the ankle plantar and dorsal flexors and, if feasible, the relative reduction of body weight in certain players,” the researchers wrote in their study. “Further research should focus on prospectively evaluating and cross-examining joint laxity, flexibility and age in larger and different samples of players in order to detect an optimal mixture of all critical risk factors for non-contact ankle sprains in soccer.”
Disclosure: The researchers report no relevant financial disclosures.
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