Incidence Of Ankle Sprains Research Articles

The Effect of Ankle Taping on Detection of Inversion-Eversion Movements in Participants with Recurrent Ankle Sprain

Background Taping is often used to counter the proprioceptive deficit after joint injury such as ankle sprain. However, the effect of taping on proprioceptive acuity at the ankle is unclear, with conflicting findings. Hypothesis Application of tape improves detection of inversion and eversion movements at the ankle. Study Design Controlled laboratory study. Methods The 70% threshold for movement detection was measured in 16 participants with recurrent ankle sprain under 2 conditions: with the ankle taped or untaped. The threshold for movement detection was examined at 3 velocities (0.1 deg/s, 0.5 deg/s, and 2.5 deg/s) and in 2 directions (inversion and eversion). Results Application of tape significantly decreased the ability to detect movements at the ankle (P <. 023). For example, at 0.5 deg/s, the 70% detection threshold was 3.40° ± 1.05° in inversion and 3.49° ± 1.15° in eversion at the untaped ankle, and 4.02° ± 0.86° in inversion and 4.04° ± 0.89° in eversion at the taped ankle. Conclusion Taping the ankle decreased the ability to detect movement in the inversion-eversion plane in participants with recurrent ankle sprain. Clinical Relevance The findings suggest that the efficacy of taping is unlikely to be explained by an enhanced ability to detect inversion or eversion movements. However, because it has been found effective in reducing the incidence of ankle sprain, clinicians should continue taping to reduce the likelihood of resprain.

The Effectiveness of Balance Training Programs on Reducing the Incidence of Ankle Sprains in Adolescent Athletes

Ankle sprains are one of the most common sport-related injuries treated by rehabilitation professionals. These injuries often result in lost participation and can lead to subsequent injury episodes. Therefore, it is important to determine appropriate means of preventing these injuries. There has recently been an increase in the popularity of balance training programs for the prevention of knee anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) injury, with some thought that starting these programs in younger athletes may be most beneficial. However, there is the potential that these types of training programs may also be beneficial for decreasing the risk of other lower extremity injuries, including ankle sprains in the adolescent athlete.

The Role of Shoe Design in Ankle Sprain Rates Among Collegiate Basketball Players

Much of the recent focus in shoe design and engineering has been on improving athletic performance. Currently, this improvement has been in the form of "cushioned column systems," which are spring-like in design and located under the heel of the shoe in place of a conventional heel counter. Concerns have been raised about whether this design alteration has increased the incidence of ankle sprains. To examine the incidence of lateral ankle sprains in collegiate basketball players with regard to shoe design. Prospective cohort study. Certified athletic trainers at 1014 National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA)-affiliated schools sponsoring basketball during the 2005-2006 regular season were notified of an online questionnaire. Athletic trainers at 22 of the 1014 schools participated. A total of 230 basketball players (141 males, 89 females; age = 20.2 +/- 1.5 years) from NCAA Division I-III basketball programs sustained lateral ankle sprains. Ankle sprain information and type of shoe worn (cushioned column or noncushioned column) were collected via online survey. The incidence of lateral ankle sprains and type of shoes worn were compared using a chi-square analysis. No difference was noted in ankle sprain incidence between groups (chi(2) = 2.44, P = .20, relative risk = 1.47, 95% confidence interval [CI] = 0.32, 6.86). The incidence of ankle sprains was 1.33 per 1000 exposures in the cushioned column group (95% CI = 0.62, 3.51) and 1.96 per 1000 exposures in the noncushioned column group (95% CI = 0.51, 4.22). No increased incidence of ankle sprains was associated with shoe design.

Leg height of a workers shoe has no influence on the incidence of ankle sprains — A prospective, randomized trail in cooperation with the Swiss federal railway (SBB)

Ziel: Beurteilung des Effekts von hochschaftigen Schuhen bei Arbeitern der Schweizer Bundesbahn im Hinblick auf eine prophylaktische Wirkung bei Distorsionstraumen.

Comparison of 3 Preventive Methods to Reduce the Recurrence of Ankle Inversion Sprains in Male Soccer Players

Background Ankle sprains are frequent injuries in soccer. Several strategies can be used to prevent further ankle sprains in athletes: the most common are proprioceptive training, strength training, and orthoses. Objective To investigate which of these 3 interventions is the most effective in preventing ankle sprains in athletes with previous ankle inversion sprain. Study Design Randomized controlled trial; Level of evidence, 1. Methods and Measures Eighty male soccer players (age, 24.6 ± 2.63 years; height, 175.60 ± 4.36 cm; weight, 64.26 ± 8.37 kg) in the first division of a men's league who had experienced previous ankle inversion sprain were randomly selected from an original population of 120 players. The subjects were individually and randomly assigned to 4 study groups: group 1 (n = 20) followed the proprioceptive program, group 2 (n = 20) followed the strength program, group 3 (n = 20) used orthoses, and group 4 (n = 20) was the control group. Data on the frequency of ankle sprain reinjury were collected at the end of the session. Results There were no significant differences among the groups in the number of exposures. The incidence of ankle sprains in players in the proprioception training group was significantly lower than in the control group (relative risk of injury, 0.13; 95% confidence interval, 0.003-0.93; P = .02). The findings with respect to the strength and orthotic groups in comparison with the control group were not significant (relative risk of injury, 0.5; 95% confidence interval, 0.11-1.87; P = .27 for strength; relative risk of injury, 0.25; 95% confidence interval, 0.03-1.25; P = .06 for orthotic group). Conclusion Proprioceptive training, compared with no intervention, was an effective strategy to reduce the rate of ankle sprains among male soccer players who suffered ankle sprain.

Prophylactic Bracing Versus Taping for the Prevention of Ankle Sprains in High School Athletes: A Prospective, Randomized Trial

Prophylactic ankle taping has been considered the mainstay of ankle injury prevention and has been used at all levels of competitive football. An alternative to taping is a semirigid ankle orthosis. This study prospectively compared the incidence of ankle sprains in high school football players during a single season, after randomization to either prophylactic bracing or taping of both ankles. Of 83 athletes followed up for an entire season, 6 ankle sprains occurred, 3 in each treatment group; and there was no statistically significant difference in the incidence of ankle sprains between the 2 groups. The time required to tape an athlete averaged 67 seconds per ankle, resulting in a total of 97 minutes per ankle during an entire season, and the average cost to tape each ankle during an entire season was greater than the cost of the commercially available brace. The projected cost savings for an athletic program using prophylactic bracing could be substantial when compared with the use of prophylactic taping of the ankle.

Risk of injury in elite football played on artificial turf versus natural grass: a prospective two-cohort study

Objective: To compare injury risk in elite football played on artificial turf compared with natural grass. Design: Prospective two-cohort study. Setting: Male European elite football leagues. Participants: 290 players from...

The Significance of Peroneus Tertius Muscle in Ankle Injuries

Background The peroneus tertius is absent in 5% to 17% of the human white population. The function of the peroneus tertius is eversion and dorsiflexion of the foot. These 2 strength parameters have been identified as important parameters in the development of ankle ligament injuries. Hypothesis Subjects without the peroneus tertius are at higher risk for ankle ligament injuries. Study Design Cohort study (Prevalence); Level of evidence, 1. Methods One hundred physical education students were palpated for the presence of peroneus tertius before the start of their education; they were also isokinetically measured for eversion and dorsiflexion strength. All ankle injuries were registered during 2 years, and exposure to sport was recorded. Results The peroneus tertius was absent in 37 of the 200 subjects (18.5%). In the group with peroneus tertius (n = 163), 21 ankle sprains (12.9%) were observed during the 2-year follow-up. In the group without peroneus tertius (n = 37), 7 ankle sprains (18.9%) were noted. Statistical analysis (Cox regression) showed no significant difference between both groups in the incidence of ankle sprains (P = .335). Comparisons between the group of subjects with peroneus tertius and the group without peroneus tertius concerning the concentric and eccentric isokinetic eversion and the concentric dorsiflexion strength did not attain significance at any tested velocity (P > .05). Conclusion This study shows that subjects without peroneus tertius are not at higher risk for an ankle ligament injury. In addition, subjects without peroneus tertius do not exhibit decreased eversion or dorsiflexion strength. Clinical Relevance This study is the first to clarify the exact contribution of the peroneus tertius within the muscular system around the ankle. As a result, the clinical importance of the peroneus tertius concerning prevention and treatment of ankle ligament injuries is low.

The effect of different ankle brace–skin interface application pressures on the electromyographic peroneus longus reaction time

Electromyographic peroneal reaction time measurements is a well established and reliable method of assessing the dynamic defence mechanism of the ankle joint against ankle sprains. Ankle bracing has been proved to be an effective prophylactic measure against injury since it restricts joint ROM. However, its role in improving the dynamic defence mechanism of the ankle according to the skin–brace interface application pressure, is unclear. The aim of this study was to investigate the effect of different pressures of ankle brace application in the peroneus longus reaction time. Thirty-three young, male, uninjured, physical education students were measured under three conditions: (1) without brace, (2) with brace and 30 kPa application pressure and (3) with brace and 60 kPa application pressure, as measured by a pressure sensitive sensor. Peroneal reaction time was assessed with surface electromyography, during a sudden inversion stress test on a trapdoor. The results demonstrated significant differences between the control (no brace condition) and the two brace conditions, with a significant increase of the peroneal reaction time, with increasing ankle brace application pressures, more pronounced in the 60 kPa pressure. The findings of this study show that prophylactic ankle bracing when applied tightly, seems to have a detrimental effect in the dynamic defence mechanism of the ankle joint, since it delays the peroneous longus activation onset during a simulated ankle sprain. Whether different brace application pressures introduced in this study can affect the incidence of ankle sprains remains to be examined.

The Role of a Posteriorly Positioned Fibula in Ankle Sprain

Specific anatomic variations of the ankle mortise may predispose people to ankle sprains. There is a correlation between a higher malleolar index (posteriorly positioned fibula) and incidence of ankle sprain. Prospective case control study. We compared the malleolar index (transverse plane of the talus) on computerized axial tomographic images of 61 patients with ankle sprain with that of 101 normal controls. A positive number for the malleolar index meant that the lateral malleolus was posterior to the plane of the medial malleolus. A negative number meant that the lateral malleolus was actually anterior to the plane of the medial malleolus. The average malleolar index of the patients with ankle sprain was +11.5 degrees with a standard deviation of 7 degrees. Malleolar relationships varied from -6 degrees to +39 degrees, a range of 45 degrees. The average malleolar index in the control group was +5.85 degrees with a standard deviation of 4.9 degrees, which varied from -8 degrees to +16 degrees. However, there was no correlation between recurrence of sprains and malleolar index values. Patients with an ankle sprain were more likely to have a posteriorly positioned fibula, possibly predisposing them to ankle sprain.

Population based epidemiology of ankle sprains attending accident and emergency units in the West Midlands of England, and a survey of UK practice for severe ankle sprains

Objectives: To estimate the incidence of ankle sprains and severe ankle sprains attending accident and emergency (A&E) units; to describe current practice for severe ankle sprains in A&E units in...

The effect of preventive measures on the incidence of ankle sprains.

To critically review the current data concerning the efficacy of preventive measures described in the literature, on the incidence of lateral ankle ligament injuries. MEDLINE, Sportdiscus, and EMBASE were searched for papers published between 1980 and December 1998. Keywords used in the search were "prevention" in combination with "ankle," "ankle taping," "ankle bracing," "orthosis," "shoes," and "proprioception." Additional references were reviewed from the bibliographies of the retrieved articles. A study was included if: 1) the study contained research questions regarding the prevention of lateral ankle ligament injuries; 2) the study was a randomized controlled trial, a controlled trail, or a time intervention; 3) the results of the study contained incidence rates of lateral ankle ligament injuries as study outcome; and 4) the study met the cut-off score set for quality. Two reviewers reviewed relevant studies for strengths and weaknesses in design and methodology, according to a standardized set of predefined criteria. Eight relevant studies met the criteria for inclusion and were analyzed. Overall, all studies reported a significant decrease in incidence of ankle sprains using the studied preventive measure. There was a great variety in methodology and study design between the eight analyzed studies, and every study had one or more drawbacks. Therefore, between studies only general results could be compared. The use of either tape or braces reduces the incidence of ankle sprains. Next to this preventive effect, the use of tape or braces results in less severe ankle sprains. However, braces seem to be more effective in preventing ankle sprains than tape. It is not clear which athletes are to benefit more from the use of preventive measures: those with or those without previous ankle sprains. The efficacy of shoes in preventing ankle sprains is unclear. It is likely the newness of the footwear plays a more important role than shoe height in preventing ankle sprains. Proprioceptive training reduces the incidence of ankle sprains in athletes with recurrent ankle sprains to the same level as subjects without any history of ankle sprains.

Prevention of anterior cruciate ligament injuries in soccer

Proprioceptive training has been shown to reduce the incidence of ankle sprains in different sports. It can also improve rehabilitation after anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) injuries whether treated operatively or nonoperatively. Since ACL injuries lead to long absence from sports and are one of the main causes of permanent sports disability, it is essential to try to prevent them. In a prospective controlled study of 600 soccer players in 40 semiprofessional or amateur teams, we studied the possible preventive effect of a gradually increasing proprioceptive training on four different types of wobble-boards during three soccer seasons. Three hundred players were instructed to train 20 min per day with 5 different phases of increasing difficulty. The first phase consisted of balance training without any balance board; phase 2 of training on a rectangular balance board; phase 3 of training on a round board; phase 4 of training on a combined round and rectangular board; phase 5 of training on a so-called BABS board. A control group of 300 players from other, comparable teams trained "normally" and received no special balance training. Both groups were observed for three whole soccer seasons, and possible ACL lesions were diagnosed by clinical examination, KT-1000 measurements, magnetic resonance imaging or computed tomography, and arthroscopy. We found an incidence of 1.15 ACL injuries per team per year in the proprioceptively trained group (P < 0.001). Proprioceptive training can thus significantly reduce the incidence of ACL injuries in soccer players.

Visual Assessment of Foot Type and Relationship of Foot Type to Lower Extremity Injury

The purpose of this study was 1) to establish the interrater reliability of classifying foot type by visual appraisal and 2) to determine any relationship between foot type and subsequent knee pain or ankle sprains. Seventy-seven athletes were evaluated by three trained physical therapists to determine interrater reliability of a visual appraisal to identify foot type. Feet were classified according to operational definitions, and specific criteria had to be met for the foot to be classified as supinated, pronated, or neutral. Questionnaires concerning knee pain were completed at the beginning of the season, and incidence of ankle sprain was followed throughout the football and cross country seasons for 55 athletes. The Kappa value for interrater reliability for visually assessing foot type was .72. There was a significant relationship between foot type and knee pain (X2 = 4.45, N = 55, df = 2, p < .05). There was no relationship between foot type and incidence of ankle sprain. These results indicate that 1) physical therapists trained in the procedure can reliably use visual appraisal to classify foot type, and 2) athletes with excessively pronated or supinated foot types may be more susceptible to knee pain than athletes with neutral foot types. J Orthop Sports Phys Ther 1991;14(2):70-74.

The Incidence of Ankle Sprains in Soccer

This study investigated the relationship between exposure time and ankle sprains in soccer. Forty-one teams (639 players) from four male senior soccer divisions at different levels of skill (divisions I-VI) were followed prospectively for 1 year. The exposure to soccer and the number of injuries per player were higher in higher divisions, but the injury incidence, percentage of ankle injuries and incidence of ankle injuries were the same at different levels of skill. Of all injuries 17 to 20% were ankle sprains and the incidence varied between 1.7 to 2.0 ankle injuries per 1,000 hours of exposure. Since players with previous ankle problems run an increased risk of reinjury we suggest that these players receive preventive advice.