Effect of Ankle Exercises in Preventing Ankle Sprain in Amateur Football Players: A Follow-up Study

Abstract

Purpose: A lateral ligament complex injury to the ankle joint affects around 1 out of every 10,000 persons every day, accounting for a quarter of all sports injuries. As a result, injury prevention initiatives aimed at adolescents may have a greater influence on player health in the future. Materials and Methods: 74 people were screened, and 60 were chosen based on inclusion criteria to participate in the study. A total of 60 football players were separated into two groups, each with 30 players. Players between the ages of 10 and 15 years who had been practicing for at least 6 months were included, while players with previous ankle sprain injuries, as well as previous neurological and musculoskeletal problems, were excluded. The range of motion of the ankle joint was measured and demographic data were gathered. The Star Excursion Balance Test (SEBT) was utilized as an end measure before the exercise program, after 4 weeks, and after 6 months of follow-up. Conventional exercises along with a conventional ankle exercise program were given to the two groups. Results: The severity of injuries in the experimental group was mild to moderate, whereas it was moderate to severe in the control group. The experimental group’s SEBT reach distance improved considerably after 4 weeks and 6 months of follow-up (p0.00001), but the control group’s improvement was not significant after 4 weeks. The control group showed considerable improvement after 6 months of follow-up except for anteromedial and posterolateral directions. Conclusion: The difference in SEBT reach distance between the two groups was significant in all directions; however, there was no significant difference in medial reach when the difference between the two groups was compared at post 4 weeks and 6 months.