Document Type : Research Paper
Authors
1 Department of Sport Injury and Corrective Exercise, School of Physical Education and Sport Science, University of Isfahan, Isfahan, Iran
2 Associate Professor, Department of Sport Injury and Corrective Exercise, School of Physical Education and Sports Sciences, University of Isfahan, Isfahan, Iran
3 Associate Professor, Department of Sport Injury and Corrective Exercise, Faculty of Sport Sciences, University of Isfahan, Iran.
Abstract
Chronic ankle instability (CAI) leads to increased asymmetry in the lower limbs. However, strength asymmetry and change of direction speed (CODS) among soccer players with CAI have not been analyzed. This study aimed to assess the asymmetry of functional strength and CODS in soccer players with CAI. 32 male professional soccer players with CAI participated in this study. Single-leg hop (SLH) and triple hop (SLTH) tests were used to evaluate horizontal strength asymmetry, while the 180°turn and 90°Cut tests were used to assess CODS asymmetry for the injured and uninjured, dominant and non-dominant limbs. The results showed 25(78%) and 7(22%) players had injuries in their dominant and non-dominant limbs, respectively. A significant relationship between SLH asymmetry and 180oturn performance was observed in non-dominant limb (r=0.392, P=0/027), injured limb (r=0.413, P=0/019), and injured and uninjured limbs asymmetry (r=-0.452, P=0.009). A significant relationship was also observed between SLTH asymmetry and 90°Cut performance in dominant limb (r=0.362, P=0/042) and injured limb (r=0.373, P=0.036). However, no significant relationship was observed between other variables (P>0.05). Low agreements for similar identification were shown between CODS and Hop (15.63-25%) and between CODS tests (12.5%). Considering the dominant limb is responsible for performing soccer skills, it could reduce the ability of soccer players with CAI during functional soccer activities. Therefore, considering the relationship between horizontal strength asymmetry and multidirectional CODS, it is suggested to design exercises aimed at reducing horizontal strength asymmetry to improve CODS performance in preparation and rehabilitation programs for soccer players with CAI.
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