Author(s): INOUE, Y., MISU S., Institution: KOBE INTERNATIONAL UNIVERSITY, Country: JAPAN, Abstract-ID: 1170

INTRODUCTION:
Soccer has a high incidence and recurrence rate of ankle sprains. In female athletes, non-contact ankle sprains are common, suggesting a contribution of internal risk factors. Reduced postural stability is one such factor; however, previous studies show heterogeneity in participants, sports types, and assessment methods. The Y Balance Test (YBT) has been proposed as a tool for identifying ankle sprain risk, but evidence remains limited, particularly in adolescent female populations. This study investigated the usefulness of the YBT as an indicator of ankle sprain injury in adolescent female soccer players in a 6-month prospective study, with the aim of providing practical information for injury prevention in youth sports settings.
METHODS:
Participants were recruited from 13 local girls’ soccer teams. Of the 248 players assessed at baseline, 215 were included in the final analysis (mean age 13.18 ± 0.93 years, height 154.92 ± 6.28 cm, weight 45.96 ± 6.57 kg). A questionnaire collected basic information, playing characteristics, and history of ankle sprains.
At baseline, height and weight were measured, and balance performance was evaluated using the YBT. The composite score was calculated by normalizing the sum of reach distances in three directions by leg length for each limb. The absolute left–right difference in composite score was used as the index of asymmetry. Follow-up interviews at 3 and 6 months documented ankle sprains and other injuries occurring during regular training and matches. Logistic regression analysis was performed with ankle sprain occurrence as the dependent variable and BMI, history of ankle sprains, and composite score difference as independent variables. Odds ratios (ORs) with 95% confidence intervals (CIs) were calculated, and statistical significance was set at 5%.
RESULTS:
During follow-up, 40 participants sustained ankle sprains. Logistic regression showed that history of ankle sprains and composite score difference were significantly associated with ankle sprain occurrence. Participants with a history had higher odds of injury than those without (OR = 2.38, 95% CI: 1.15–5.16, p = 0.019).
Each 1% increase in composite score difference increased the odds of ankle sprain (OR = 1.05, 95% CI: 1.00–1.10, p = 0.046), indicating that greater inter-limb asymmetry in dynamic balance may be clinically relevant. BMI was not significantly associated with ankle sprain occurrence.
CONCLUSION:
History of ankle sprains and composite score difference on the YBT may be indicators of ankle sprain risk in adolescent female soccer players. The YBT may serve as a simple and practical screening tool to support early identification of high-risk athletes and guide targeted injury prevention strategies in youth soccer programs.