Effects of a 6-week neuromuscular ankle training program on the Star Excursion Balance Test for basketball players

Abstract

BackgroundThe largest percentage of injuries in basketball affect the lower limbs, specially the ankle joint, and this is the major cause of missed days of training during a season. Moreover, ankle injuries can increase the risk factor of recurrent injuries. ObjectivesTo determine whether a training program, based on specific ankle exercises for basketball, causes a change in the dynamic stability of a healthy group of basketball players, using the Star Excursion Balance Test (SEBT). Also, to determine the ideal number of repetitions to obtain a reliable measure of the test. Materials and methodsExperimental study. Seventeen uninjured basketball players participated (8 experimental (EG), 9 control (CG)) (EG=15.12yrs±0.83yrs//CG=14.67yrs±1.0yrs). The EG performed the training program during the warm-up, and the CG completed the regular warm-up. The SEBT was performed before and after the 6-week training program. In statistical analysis MANOVA 2* 2 was used per group and time. ResultsOnly the measurements for the Posterior–Lateral direction were significant, namely in 2 groups (CG: Mdif=15.5, P=.002 (95% CI: 6.83–24.17cm) EG: Mdif=12.063, P=.014 (95% CI: 2.87–21.26cm)). There were no differences in the SEBT between groups after the training protocol. ConclusionsOne attempt seems to be sufficient for the completion of the test. The completion of a specific training program for healthy basketball players does not demonstrate improvements in the balance.