BIOMECHANICS OF ANKLE SPRAIN INJURY AND STABILITY TRAINING

Abstract

A promising option for preventing ankle sprains during sports training is a series of exercises based on the ankle disc training approach (Parkkari, 2001). The mechanism of action of these exercises (referred to as ‘stability training’) is poorly understood. A biomechanical analysis on the role of the various components of the lower limb including muscles, tendons and ligaments in stabilizing the ankle may provide insight into the mechanism of action. There is little point in conducting a complex and costly biomechanical analysis, however, if stability training cannot be integrated into established sports training programme. The purpose of this pilot study was to asses the feasibility of integrating stability training in recruit training in the New Zealand Defence Force. Recruit training is ideal because it has a high incidence of ankle injuries and is done in a controlled environment. This is a work in progress; the long term aim is to test the effectiveness of stability training in both military and high-risk sports environments using randomised controlled trials.