Abstract:
Ankle sprain is most common sport injury among field hockey players. The purpose of this
study was to identify the prevalence of ankle sprains and impact of risk factors for ankle injuries
among university field hockey players in Sri Lanka. This study was a mixed mode research and
opportunity sampling technique was used. Study sample consisted of n = 118 players. Who
represented five state universities. Functional assessment of the ankle was done using single
leg balance, ankle range of motion and star excursion balance test. Moreover, foot and ankle
questionnaire was used. Data analysis was done using Minitab 17.There were no significant relationship between ankle instability and right leg ankle dorsiflexion at the open eyes and closed
eyes on (r = 0.126 / r = 0.103), plantarflexion (r = 0.069/r = 0.260) and eversion (r = –0.171
/ r = –0.242.) There is a weak negative relationship between right ankle inversion at the open
eyes and closed eyes (r = –0.321 / r = –0.316) .There were no significant relationship between
ankle instability and left leg ankle range of motion at the open eyes and closed eyes on dorsiflexion (r = –0.252 / r = 0.137), plantarflexion (r = –0.041 / r = –0.265) except eversion (r =
–0.226 / r = –0.482) and inversion (r = –0.258 / r = –0.398) respectively. As the findings shown
that there was a significant difference between ankle instability (p = 0.000) injured and noninjured ankle. Moreover, method of warmup (p = 0.048) has shown a significant impact and
other risk factors were not significantly impact on the onset of ankle injuries. Within the findings of study it can be concluded that method of warm up is a risk factor for the onset of ankle
injuries and the prevalence of ankle sprains increase within the increment of an ankle instability.
