Role of Ankle Stability and Mobility Training for Injury Prevention in Contact Sports: An Experimental Study
Keywords:
Ankle stability, Ankle stability, mobility training, mobility training, plantar pressure, plantar pressure, weight distribution, weight distribution, injury prevention, injury prevention, contact sports, contact sportsAbstract
Background: Ankle injuries are highly prevalent in contact sports, often leading to chronic ankle instability (CAI), altered biomechanics, and increased risk of reinjury. Targeted ankle stability and mobility training may improve joint range of motion (ROM), plantar pressure distribution, and weight-bearing symmetry, thereby reducing injury risk.
Objective: To compare the effects of sports-specific training combined with ankle stability and mobility training versus sports-specific training alone in novice contact sport athletes.
Methods: A randomized experimental study was conducted with 50 novice contact sport athletes (aged 18–30 years) assigned to Group A (n=25, sports-specific training + ankle stability/mobility training) or Group B (n=25, sports-specific training only). Outcome measures included ROM (goniometer), plantar pressure (pedobarography), and weight distribution. Statistical analysis was performed using paired and unpaired t-tests with Cohen’s d effect sizes and 95% confidence intervals (CI).
Results: Group A showed significant improvements in plantar flexion (37.4°±1.44 to 45.6°±1.53, p<0.001; d=5.52, 95% CI: 7.62–8.78), dorsiflexion (12.3°±1.68 to 17.3°±1.68, p<0.001; d=2.98, 95% CI: 4.34–5.66), and weight-bearing symmetry (p<0.001). Group B demonstrated minimal change in plantar flexion (d=0.78) but significant improvement in dorsiflexion (d=3.12).
Conclusion: Combining ankle stability and mobility training with sports-specific training significantly improves ankle biomechanics and weight-bearing symmetry in novice contact sport athletes, supporting its inclusion in injury prevention programs.
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