EFFECT OF ANKLE BRACING ON RECURRENCE OF ANKLE SPRAIN IN MALE FOOTBALL PLAYERS

Abstract

Abstract Background and purpose of study: Ankle injuries are among the most common sports-related injuries, accounting for up to 20% of injuries. Ankle sprains account for 33–73% of ankle injuries. The aim of this study was to evaluate the effectiveness of ankle bracing in preventing recurrences of ankle sprains, especially in male soccer players. Methods: A randomized controlled study was conducted in Prince Sattam bin Abdul Aziz University. 30 football players in university football team aged 18 to 23 years were obtained between November 2014 and May 2015, 15 were randomly selected to the study group (Ankle bracing group) and 15 to the control group (Untreated group without bracing). Subjects: All football players who had suffered from past history of ankle sprain (30 players) were identified as subjects. Measurements: Each previously injured ankle (n = 30) was considered as a case for the analysis. Ankles that had a past sprain received one of two groups; ankle bracing group (n = 15) and untreated group (n = 15). Results: There was significant difference between intervention group and control group. Ankle sprain recurrence frequency was 0% and 27% for the braced and control group, respectively. The recurrence incidence for the braced group was significantly fewer than that of the control group. Conclusions: It was concluded that this study suggest that ankle bracing is effective in preventing the incidence of ankle sprains in male football players with a past history of ankle sprains.