Physical Therapy of Footballers with Joints Hypermobility Signs after Ankle Sprains

Abstract

Ankle sprains are one of the most common injuries in both athletes and the general population. The peculiarity of the consequences of injuries of this localization is the high probability of repeated injuries. Of particular interest are athletes with hypermobility of the joints. The systematic involvement of connective tissue in hypermobility of the joints affects the condition of the musculoskeletal system, in particular the ligament, can determine the effects of damage to the ankle and be a criterion for the differentiated use of physical therapy. The high percentage of recurrent ankle sprains injuries and significant structural, functional and professional consequences for footballers indicate an insufficient study of this problem both in terms of the mechanisms of recurrence of injuries and appropriate rehabilitation measures, which requires further scientific research and justification. The purpose of the study was to investigate the effectiveness of the developed physical therapy program of ankle sprains in football players with signs of hypermobility of the joints. Materials and methods. To achieve this goal, the data of 46 high-class football players of the Youth and the National Football Team of Azerbaijan aged 16 to 34 with acute damage to the communication apparatus of the ankle were analyzed. Patients were divided into study groups (main and control) of 23 individuals each using a simple randomization procedure. The main group used the proposed differentiated method of physical therapy taking into account the degree of hypermobility of the joints, which included early mobilization of ankle in the antero-posterior direction, stabilization of ankle due to early inclusion of exercises to train static balance, proprioceptive and plyometric training. Particular attention was paid to early neuromuscular control training. In the control group, athletes underwent rehabilitation according to generally accepted methods. The duration of the intervention was 4 weeks. Results and discussion. The degree of hypermobility of the joints, the volume of movements in the ankle, the limitations of daily and sports activity, pain levels, impaired sensorio-motor and postural control, static and dynamic balance were assessed. The results of the study indicate a high frequency of recurrence of ankle sprains in football players, accompanied by a complex of morphological, functional, sensory-perceptual disorders and disorders of neuromuscular control and, as a consequence, leads to limitations of daily life and sports activity. Conclusion. The application of the developed method of physical therapy in football players, taking into account the degree of systemic involvement of connective tissue is an effective means of preventing recurrent injuries, leading to faster restoration of morphological and functional integrity of the joint