P14 Changes in static balance and dynamic postural stability are associated with history of ankle sprain in male and female intercollegiate soccer athletes

Study Design Cross-sectional study. Objectives To identify differences in static balance (SB) and dynamic postural stability (DPS) in soccer athletes with history of ankle sprain (HAS) and with no history of ankle sprain (NHAS). Background Ankle sprains (AS) are a serious concern for athletes; leading to proprioceptive deficits, diminished movement, and persistent laxity. Examining the effect of AS on SB and DPS, may assist in development of injury prevention and rehabilitation programs. Methods and Measures 38 male and female soccer athletes participated. 27 with NHAS (Age:19.1±1.2 years,Height:173.0±9.4 cm,Weight:69.8±9.4 kg) and 11 with HAS (Age:20.2±1.0 years,Height:173.0±7.6 cm,Weight:66.3±9.1 kg). SB was assessed with eyes open (EO) and eyes closed (EC). Subjects stood on one-leg, hands-on-hips, and maintained balance for ten-seconds. DPS was assessed by subjects jumping off two-feet over a 30.48 cm hurdle, landing on one LE, and maintaining balance for five-seconds. SB was expressed as the standard deviation of GRF composite score (SBC) and DPS was expressed as the Dynamic Postural Stability Index composite score (DPSIC). Component scores in the anterior/posterior (APSB,APSI), medial/lateral (MLSB,MLSI), and vertical (VSB,VSI) directions were calculated. If normally distributed, within and between group differences were assessed using T-tests; if normality was violated, Wilcoxon Signed-Ranks tests or Mann-Whitney U tests were utilised. Significance of Results Athletes with NHAS demonstrated significant within-group differences for APSI (p=0.015) and all ECSB variables; SBC (p=0.007), APSB (p=0.007), MLSB (p=0.026), and VSB (p=0.013). No significant within-group differences (injured vs. uninjured LE) were observed in athletes with HAS. Between group differences were significant for ECAPSB (p=0.045); athletes with NHAS demonstrated worse ECAPSB. Conclusions The observed within-group differences may indicate that rehabilitation positively impacted balance and proprioception on the injured LE in the athletes with HAS. Between group differences were noted for ECAPSB; implying that HAS may not negatively impact SB or DPS in intercollegiate soccer athletes.