Physical Performance and Psychological Status of Professional Football Players with Recurrent Ankle Sprains

Abstract

This study aims to compare physical performance and psychological status between professional football players with no history of ankle sprain and those with recurrent ankle sprains. The participants in this study included 40 male professional football players from 6 football clubs in Thailand. Participants were classified into two groups, those with no history of ankle sprain (control) and those with recurrent ankle sprains, with 20 participants in each group. All participants were asked to perform four physical performance tests, namely, the weight bearing lunge test, star excursion balance test, vertical jump test, and Illinois agility test; and to complete two psychological questionnaires, assessing anxiety and burnout. The physical test results showed that the posteromedial direction in the star excursion balance test was significantly lower in the recurrent ankle sprain group compared to the control (p<0.05). There were no differences in anterior and posterolateral directions. In addition, there were no significant differences in weight bearing lunge, vertical jump, and Illinois agility between the groups. The results of the psychological questionnaires showed a significant difference in terms of the achievement dimension of burnout between the groups (p<0.05), while in other psychological parameters there was no difference. The difference was partially achieved, only in two tests, while in others there was no difference at all. Therefore, in accordance with the achieved results, the coach and rehabilitation team should raise awareness and include treatment programs to help athletes avoid physical and mental problems associated with recurring ankle injuries.