Document Type : Original article
Authors
1
Assistant Professor of Sport Injuries and Corrective Exercises, Department of Sport Sciences, Faculty of Human Sciences, Ragheb Isfahan Institute of Higher Education, Isfahan, Iran
2
M.Sc. in Sports Biomechanics, Department of Sports Injury and Corrective Exercises, Faculty of Sports Sciences, University of Isfahan, Isfahan, Iran.
3
Professor, Department of Sports Injury and Corrective Exercises, Faculty of Sports Sciences, University of Isfahan, Isfahan, Iran.
4
Department of Sport Injuries and Corrective Exercises, Faculty of Sport Sciences, University of Isfahan
10.22037/sjrm.2026.117582.3460
Abstract
Background and Aim: Chronic ankle instability (CAI) is the most common sequelae of recurrent ankle sprains in soccer players. Given the methodological limitations of previous studies, such as comparing the involved limb with the healthy contralateral limb, the present study aimed to compare the eversion-to-inversion strength ratio (E/I ratio) and center of pressure (COP) path length during single-leg landing between soccer players with CAI and healthy controls using a matched-side design.
Methods: This was a cross-sectional comparative study involving two independent groups. 28 soccer players with CAI (CAIT score: 17.50 ± 2.13) and 28 healthy soccer players (CAIT score: 28.32 ± 1.09) participated. The concentric isokinetic E/I ratio was measured at an angular velocity of 60°/s using a Biodex System 3 dynamometer. Dynamic postural control was assessed using the COP path length parameter during a single-leg landing task from a 30-cm height onto a Footscan pressure plate.
Results: The results showed that E/I ratio was significantly lower in soccer players with CAI compared to the control group (t(54) = -2.19, P = 0.03, ES = 0.63). Furthermore, the COP path length was significantly greater in the injured players compared to the control group (t(54) = 3.31, P < 0.001, ES = 0.89).
Conclusion: Soccer players with CAI demonstrated a significant reduction in E/I ratio and a marked increase in COP oscillations during single-leg landing. Future studies should examine whether evertor strengthening exercises improve the eversion-to-inversion ratio and dynamic postural control. Additionally, a matched-side design is recommended for accurate assessment of deficits in this population.
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