Changes in Lower Extremity Musculoskeletal Characteristics Associated with Ankle Sprain History in Intercollegiate Soccer Athletes

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Ankle sprains (AS) result in persistent neuromuscular deficits and increased risk of re-injury. Examining the effect of AS on lower extremity (LE) flexibility, strength, static balance (SB), and dynamic postural stability (DPS) may aid in the development of injury prevention and rehabilitation programs. PURPOSE: Determine side-to-side differences in LE flexibility, strength, SB, and DPS in intercollegiate soccer athletes with a history of ankle sprain (HAS). METHODS: Fifteen intercollegiate male and female soccer athletes with a HAS participated (Age:20.2±1.3years, Height:175.3±9.9cm, Weight:68.7±10.2kg). LE flexibility tests included weight-bearing and active ankle dorsiflexion, active knee extension, and straight leg raise. LE strength tests included ankle dorsiflexion/plantarflexion, ankle inversion/eversion, hip abduction/adduction, hip internal/external rotation, and knee flexion/extension. LE SB and DPS were assessed with a force plate collecting ground reaction forces (GRF). Single-leg SB was assessed under eyes-open and eyes-closed conditions. DPS was assessed during a single-leg landing task. Side-to-side differences were assessed using T-tests, Wilcoxon Signed-Ranks or Mann-Whitney U tests, as appropriate. Significance for all tests was set at p<0.05, a priori. RESULTS: Athletes with a HAS demonstrated significant side-to-side differences for weight-bearing ankle dorsiflexion (p=0.044), ankle dorsiflexion strength (p=0.006), and knee flexion strength (p=0.023). No other significant differences were observed. CONCLUSION: Athletes with a HAS demonstrated persistent side-to-side differences despite returning to competition. These differences, including weight-bearing ankle dorsiflexion flexibility, ankle dorsiflexion strength, and knee flexion strength may predispose these athletes to re-injury. The results of this study should guide AS rehabilitation programs in an effort to mitigate these persistent changes in an attempt to prevent re-injury.