PREVALANCE OF ANKLE SPRAINS AND IMPACT OF RISK FACTORS FOR THE ONSET OF ANKLE INJURIES AMONG UNIVERSITY FIELD HOCKEY PLAYERS IN SRI LANKA

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.