An evaluation of the relationship between foot posture and ankle sprain.

Abstract

AIM The aim of this research is to identify the relationship between foot posture and the risk of ankle sprains among Gozitan amateur part time football players. The study also aims at determining whether there are any other risk factors affecting the predisposition of ankle ligament injuries. RESEARCH DESIGN AND METHOD A cross-sectional non-experimental same subject study was conducted at eight different football clubs across Gozo from November 2008 to January 2009. Twenty-one Gozitan amateur football players with a one-year history of an ankle sprain and members of the Gozo Football Association were recruited for the study. The sample comprised twenty-one participants who underwent an assessment for their foot posture using the Foot Posture Index-6. A thirty-minute time frame was allocated to each individual in order to gather demographic data and information related to their ankle sprain injury. Data abstracted included gender, age, type of ankle injury, Body Mass Index, place where the injury took place and type of occupational job. RESULTS The study found no statistical significance (p= 0.645) between foot posture and the risk of an ankle sprain. It did, however, find a significant difference in the relationship between age and the risk of ankle sprains (left FPI score p= 0.017 and right FPI score p= 0.017). Other risk factors for ankle sprains were compared in the study and resulted in no significant difference on the risk of ankle sprains. CONCLUSION No significant difference was found between the risk of ankle sprains and foot posture among amateur footballers (p=0.645). Various risk factors were found to be associated to the risk of ankle ligament injuries. The fact that Gozitan football players engage in the sport as a leisure pursuit, make them susceptible to an increased risk of injury during football matches. Football is still a developing sport on the island and although many members of the GF A are aiming at improving the level of the game, lack of resources is making it difficult. Further research about the risk of ankle sprains among amateur footballers with different foot postures may give a clearer indication to players and coaches alike regarding preventive measures and precautions to be taken into consideration during the football match.