Author(s): INOUE, Y., MISU, S., TAMURA, A., Institution: KOBE INTERNATIONAL UNIVERSITY, Country: JAPAN, Abstract-ID: 1098

INTRODUCTION:
The incidence of ankle sprains is high in adolescent female soccer players. The highest risk factor for ankle sprains is having a preexisting ankle injury, as athletes with prior sprains have a higher risk of recurrence. This study investigated the results of the static and dynamic balance tests and one-leg jump tests in adolescent female soccer players with and without a history of ankle sprains to develop measures for the prevention of ankle sprain injuries.
METHODS:
The study included a total of 217 female soccer players aged 13.2 ± 0.9 years with 6.8 ± 2.3 years of soccer experience. A survey was conducted to determine whether the players had a history of ankle sprains, whether the injury occurred within 1 year, the injured side, etc. The Y-balance test (YBT), closed-eye single-leg balance test (SLBT), and single-leg hop test (SHT) were executed. In all participants, the results of each test were compared between the left and right lower extremities with and without a history of an ankle sprain and with and without injury within 1 year. Statistical analysis was performed using the t-test for independent samples, t-test for corresponding samples, and χ2 goodness-of-fit test, with a 5% significance level. This study was conducted after obtaining approval from the Konan Women’s University Research Ethics Review Committee (Approval No. 2024005).
RESULTS:
In this study, 82 (31%) and 63 (24%) participants had a history of ankle sprain in the right and left lower extremities, and 52 (20%) and 37 (14%) had it in the right and left lower extremities within 1 year, respectively. Overall, the YBT result was significantly lower only in the posterior lateral reach of the left lower extremity (p < 0.05). Participants with a history of left ankle sprain had significantly more positive results in the closed-eye SLBT (p < 0.05). The YBT result was significantly lower in participants with a history of left ankle sprain within 1 year (p < 0.05) as was the right anterolateral lower extremity reach on the YBT (p < 0.05). The SHT results were not significantly different between the right and left extremities for all participants or those with or without a history of an ankle sprain.
CONCLUSION:
Participants with a history of left ankle sprains showed asymmetry between the left and right lower extremities in the closed-eye SLBT and YBT. Soccer requires asymmetrical performance between the left and right lower extremities. Therefore, asymmetry in single-leg postural control has been reported to increase the risk of sports injuries. The results of this study indicate the need for interventions, which consider the results of this study, to prevent recurrent ankle sprains. Therefore, interventions to prevent ankle sprain recurrence must consider the injured side and timing of the injury.