Risk Factors Influencing the Incidence of Ankle Sprain Among Elite Football and Basketball Players: A Prospective Study

Abstract

Introduction. The objective of the present study was to investigate whether certain intrinsic factors (foot hyperpronation, generalized joint laxity) and clinical tests (anterior drawer and talar tilt tests, single-leg balance test and star excursion balance test, ankle and first metatarsophalangeal range of motion) could predict the incidence of lateral ankle sprains among elite football and basketball players during a full year. Method. In a prospective cohort study, 106 elite basketball and football players were recruited. During the preseason period, players underwent baseline measurements. Team physicians in following year reported occurrence of new ankle sprains. Results. Ankle sprain was more frequent among basketball players ( P = .01). The history of recurrent ( P = .001) and acute ankle sprain ( P = .01) and each 5-year increase in age ( P = .039) were predictive factors for ankle sprain. No evidence for relationship between other risk factors and occurrence of ankle sprain were achieved. Conclusion. In our study, the history of recurrent and acute ankle sprain was the strongest predictor for ankle injuries. Considering the limitations of this study, it seems mandatory to conduct more prospective studies with a larger sample size and longer follow-up period. Levels of Evidence: Level II: Prognostic

The incidence rate of ACL injuries and ankle sprains in basketball players: A systematic review and meta‐analysis

“…In turn, the increased ankle sprain incidence rate evident for basketball players competing at higher playing levels may relate to the elevated intensities of play, 80,81 faster game pace indicated by possession rates, 94 greater aggression promoting player-to-player contact, 95,96 and higher accumulated loading/exposure 76 they encounter, which may augment the risk of sustaining ankle sprains. 7,13,14 When interpreting our data, it is important to consider that comparisons in ankle sprain incidence rate between playing levels may be influenced by the maturation 29,97 and prior injury history 98,99 of the players investigated, as well as the use of external ankle support among them, 14,100 which have been shown to impact the risk of sustaining an ankle sprain. These factors could not be accounted for in our meta-analysis due to a lack of consistent reporting across studies and should be considered in future studies, especially when comparing injury incidence rates between players in different age groups and competition levels.…”

Time‐loss and recurrence of lateral ligament ankle sprains in male elite football: A systematic review and meta‐analysis

“… 26 , 50 , 52 , 53 Eight out of 13 (61%) showed high quality. 24 , 27 , 31 , 51 , 54 , 55 , 56 , 57 For one study (1 out of 13, 8%) no agreement could be reached on the assessment. 25 …”

“…Four out of 13 (31%) of the studies were of moderate quality 26,50,52,53 . Eight out of 13 (61%) showed high quality 24,27,31,51,54–57 . For one study (1 out of 13, 8%) no agreement could be reached on the assessment 25 …”

“…One study 53 included both professionals and amateurs. 3 of 12 studies 54 , 55 , 56 included other sports: of these, 2 of 3 included women. 54 , 55 Relevant data were extractable from all studies.…”

Preventing Sports Injuries: A Review of Evidence-Based Strategies and Interventions

“…The site of the injury (bone, cartilage, ligament, muscle, tendon, joint, nerve, or skin) and the kind of damage (fracture, dislocation, sprain, or strain) can be used to categorize acute injuries. (13,14,15) In contrast, Chronic sports injuries are injuries that occur over time (repetitive stress) as a result of overuse of a certain body area. Chronic injuries usually develop gradually and are linked to repeated motions, movements, patterns, or sustained stress at a specific location, in contrast to acute injuries, which happen quickly and are frequently the consequence of a singular occurrence or trauma.…”