Ankle Proprioception Training Program for Preventing Lateral Ankle Sprains in Adolescent Basketball Players: A Case Validation Study

Abstract

The purpose of this case validation study was to examine the effects of a previously established proprioception training program on the number of lateral ankle sprains in secondary school basketball players. The patient population consisted of 22 patients (5 females, 17 males, age = 16±1 years old, height = 181.8±8.9 cm, weight = 74.8±12.8 kg) from a small rural high school in Illinois. The team completed the proprioceptive training program as part of a warm-up supervised by the athletic trainer and took approximately five minutes to complete. The program was completed every day for five weeks with one additional week of maintenance exercises. The main outcomes assessed were the number of lateral ankle sprains, anterior reach distance from the Y-Balance Test, and Foot and Ankle Ability Measure (FAAM) Sport Scale scores. Data collection occurred at baseline (prior to starting the program), week 6, week 12, and follow-up. There were a total of 9 lateral ankle sprains and 3 re-injury throughout the course of the previous season without using the proprioceptive training program. There were 6 lateral ankle sprains and only 1 re-injury during this competition season. Anterior reach distances on the Y- Balance test improved from follow-up to week 6; but decreased from week 6 to week 12 and follow-up. FAAM Sport scale scores remained consistent throughout the duration of the season. The proprioceptive training program was effective in reducing the number of lateral ankle sprains in the adolescent population and helped improve anterior reach distance while patients were completing the exercise program. Athletic trainers should incorporate more proprioceptive training programs with their patient population as primary prevention measures