Prevalence and Risk Factors of Ankle Sprain Among Male Soccer Players in Tabuk, Saudi Arabia: A Cross-Sectional Study

Abstract

Background: Ankle sprains are common among soccer players, and their risk factors are well documented in the literature. In Saudi Arabia, some healthcare and sport-related characteristics provide the necessity for investigating the prevalence and risk factors of ankle sprain in that region as well. Objective: To analyze the prevalence of lower limb injuries and risk factors of ankle sprains among male soccer players in Tabuk, Saudi Arabia. Methods: A cross-sectional study among 400 male soccer players from different sports clubs in Tabuk, Saudi Arabia was conducted. A self-structured questionnaire was used to collect data related to ankle sprains. Chi-square, Fisher’s exact tests, and unpaired t-tests were used to test the association between variables. Univariate logistic regression analysis was used to identify the risk factors. Results: Ankle sprains were the most prevalent, reported by 63.8%. Previous ankle injury, lack of stretching, lack of warm-up, and not wearing bracing were identified as significant risk factors. A total of 47.9% of players preferred to go to the hospital for treatment, 15.8% selected physical therapy, while 56% had no prior education regarding injury prevention. Conclusion: Ankle sprain is the most prevalent lower limb injury. Risk factors include previous ankle injuries, lack of stretching, lack of warm-up, and not wearing bracing. Players have little knowledge of physical therapy measures and lack of injury prevention education. Our findings suggest that increasing the awareness of injuries and proper physical therapy measures might assist in preventing recurrence of ankle sprains among male soccer players.