Risk factors for noncontact ankle sprains in high school athletes: the role of hip strength and balance ability
by
McHugh MP, Tyler TF, Tetro DT, Mullaney MJ, Nicholas SJ.
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last modified
2009-10-09 15:17
Am J Sports Med. 2006 Mar;34(3):464-70. Epub 2005 Oct 11.
BACKGROUND: Ankle sprains are among the most common sports injuries. HYPOTHESIS:
Poor balance as measured on a balance board and weakness in hip abduction
strength are associated with an increased risk of noncontact ankle sprains in
high school athletes. STUDY DESIGN: Cohort study; Level of evidence, 2. METHODS:
One hundred sixty-nine high school athletes (101 male athletes, 68 female
athletes) from football, men's basketball, men's soccer, women's gymnastics,
women's basketball, and women's soccer were observed for 2 years. Balance in
single-limb stance on an instrumented tilt board and hip flexion, abduction, and
adduction strength (handheld dynamometer) were assessed in the preseason. Body
mass, height, generalized ligamentous laxity, previous ankle sprains, and ankle
tape or brace use were also documented. RESULTS: There were 20 noncontact
inversion ankle sprains. Balance ability (P = .72), hip abduction strength (P =
.66), hip adduction strength (P = .41), and hip flexion strength (P = .87) were
not significant risk factors for ankle sprains. The incidence of grade II and
grade III sprains was higher in athletes with a history of a previous ankle
sprain (1.12 vs 0.26 per 1000 exposures, P < .05). A higher body mass index in
male athletes was associated with increased risk (P < .05). The combination of a
previous injury and being overweight further increased risk (P < .01).
CONCLUSION: Balance as measured on a balance board and hip strength were not
significant indicators for noncontact ankle sprains. The apparent high injury
risk associated with the combination of a history of a previous ankle sprain and
being overweight in male athletes warrants further examination.