Neuromuscular Control Training is Effective to Prevent Ankle Sprains in Athletes

Introduction. Lateral ankle sprain is the most common musculoskeletal injury in the physically active population and is highly prevalent in the general population. This study was conducted with the aim of investigating the effect of a course of neuromuscular control exercises on reducing risk factors for athletes prone to ankle sprains. Materials and methods. In the present study, 30 male volleyball and basketball athletes with functional ankle instability were included -balance test scores and hop tests were used for evaluation. Data were analyzed using paired t-test and analysis of covariance. Results. The results showed a significant relationship between Y-balance test scores and hop tests with neuromuscular exercises in the test group (p < 0.05). Neuromuscular exercises may improve Y-balance test scores and hop tests. Also, the results of the covariance analysis showed a significant difference between the intervention and control groups. By controlling for the pre-test effect, a significant difference was observed between the two groups (p < 0.05). Conclusions. Neuromuscular exercises can be used to reduce risk factors for athletes prone to ankle sprains in settings with limited equipment.