The identification of risk factors for ankle sprains sustained during netball participation.
OBJECTIVE
Ankle sprains account for a large percentage of injuries sustained in netball. The identification of risk factors for ankle sprain is the preliminary action required to inform future prevention strategies.


METHODS
Prospective study.


METHODS
Ninety-four netball players from club and inter-district teams.


METHODS
Preseason data were collected for; vertical jump height, perceived ankle instability, sprain history, arthrometry inversion-eversion angles, star excursion balance test reach distances, the number of foot lifts during unilateral stance and demi-pointe balance test results. Participants were followed for the duration of one netball season and ankle sprains were recorded.


RESULTS
Eleven sprains were recorded for eleven players using a time-loss definition of injury. Ankle sprains occurred at an incidence rate of 1.74/1000 h of netball exposure. One risk factor was identified to increase the odds of sustaining an ankle sprain during netball participation - a reach distance in the posterior-medial direction of the star excursion balance test of less than or equal to 77.5% of leg length (OR = 4.04, 95% CI = 1.00-16.35).


CONCLUSIONS
The identified risk factor can be easily measured and should be considered for preseason injury risk profiling of netball players. Netball players may benefit from training programs aimed at improving single leg balance.
The University of Sydney, Exercise and Sport Science Discipline, 75 East St, Lidcombe, NSW 2141, Australia. Electronic address: aatt4376@uni.sydney.edu.au.
Alison S
AS
Attenborough
The University of Sydney, Exercise and Sport Science Discipline, 75 East St, Lidcombe, NSW 2141, Australia.
Peter J
PJ
Sinclair
The University of Sydney, Sydney University Sport & Fitness, Lower Ground, Darlington Rd & Codrington Street, Darlington, NSW 2008, Australia.
Tristan
T
Sharp
The University of Sydney, Exercise and Sport Science Discipline, 75 East St, Lidcombe, NSW 2141, Australia; The University of Roehampton, Department of Life Sciences, London, SW15 5PU, United Kingdom.
Andrew
A
Greene
The University of Sydney, Exercise and Sport Science Discipline, 75 East St, Lidcombe, NSW 2141, Australia; University of the Sunshine Coast, School of Health and Sport Sciences, 90 Sippy Downs Dr, Sippy Downs, QLD 4556, Australia.
Max
M
Stuelcken
The University of Sydney, Exercise and Sport Science Discipline, 75 East St, Lidcombe, NSW 2141, Australia.
Richard M
RM
Smith
The University of Sydney, Arthritis and Musculoskeletal Research Group, 75 East St, Lidcombe, NSW 2141, Australia.
Claire E
CE
Hiller
D016512:Ankle Injuries / Q000209:etiology* / Q000503:physiopathology; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D007593:Joint Instability / Q000503:physiopathology; D004856:Postural Balance / Q000502:physiology; D011446:Prospective Studies; D012307:Risk Factors; D013180:Sprains and Strains / Q000209:etiology* / Q000503:physiopathology; D055815:Young Adult
Ankle injuries; Predictor; Prospective; Sports