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The effectiveness of a balance training intervention in reducing the incidence of noncontact ankle sprains in high school football players
by
McHugh MP, Tyler TF, Mirabella MR, Mullaney MJ, Nicholas SJ.
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last modified
2009-10-09 15:17
Am J Sports Med. 2007 Aug;35(8):1289-94. Epub 2007 Mar 29.
BACKGROUND: A high body mass index and previous ankle sprains have been shown to
increase the risk of sustaining noncontact inversion ankle sprains in high school
football players. HYPOTHESIS: Stability pad balance training reduces the
incidence of noncontact inversion ankle sprains in football players with
increased risk. STUDY DESIGN: Cohort study; Level of evidence, 2. METHODS:
Height, body mass, history of previous ankle sprains, and current ankle
brace/tape use were documented at the beginning of preseason training in 2 high
school varsity football teams for 3 consecutive years (175 player-seasons).
Players were categorized as minimal risk, low risk, moderate risk, and high risk
based on the history of previous ankle sprain and body mass index. Players in the
low-, moderate-, and high-risk groups (ie, any player with a high body mass index
and/or a previous ankle sprain) were placed on a balance training intervention on
a foam stability pad. Players balanced for 5 minutes on each leg, 5 days per
week, for 4 weeks in preseason and twice per week during the season.
Postintervention injury incidence was compared with preintervention incidence
(107 players-seasons) for players with increased risk. RESULTS: Injury incidence
for players with increased risk was 2.2 injuries per 1000 exposures (95%
confidence interval, 1.1-3.8) before the intervention and 0.5 (95% confidence
interval, 0.2-1.3) after the intervention (P < .01). This represents a 77%
reduction in injury incidence (95% confidence interval, 31%-92%). CONCLUSION: The
increased risk of a noncontact inversion ankle sprain associated with a high body
mass index and a previous ankle sprain was eliminated by the balance training
intervention.