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Int J Sports Med 2007; 28(10): 844-847
DOI: 10.1055/s-2007-964897
Training & Testing

© Georg Thieme Verlag KG Stuttgart · New York

Balance and Injury in Elite Australian Footballers

C. Hrysomallis1 , P. McLaughlin2 , C. Goodman1
  • 1Centre for Ageing, Rehabilitation, Exercise and Sport, Victoria University, Melbourne, Australia
  • 2School of Health Sciences, Victoria University, Melbourne, Australia
Further Information

Publication History

accepted after revision August 31, 2006

Publication Date:
20 March 2007 (online)

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Abstract

This project measured pre-season balance ability and determined its relationship to knee and ankle ligament injuries during the season for professional Australian footballers. The balance test involved the players stepping onto a foam balance mat on top of a force plate and maintaining single limb balance. Throughout the playing season, injuries were monitored. The results from two hundred and ten players participating in this project were analysed. During the 2003 season, 8 % (17 out of 210) sustained a knee ligament injury and 10 % (21 out of 210) sustained an ankle ligament injury. Multivariate analysis revealed that pre-season balance ability was a significant independent predictor of ankle ligament injury. Players with low balance ability had at least twice as many ankle ligaments injuries as those with average or good balance ability. Balance ability was not a significant predictor of knee ligament injuries. The height of the players was the only significant independent predictor of knee ligament injuries. Low pre-season balance ability was associated with an increased risk of ankle ligament injury. A modifiable injury risk factor has been identified. Research is now required to determine the optimal training regime to enhance balance ability and whether this translates to a reduction in the incidence of ankle injuries.

Key words

postural sway - force plate - balance mat

References

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Dr. Con Hrysomallis

Victoria University
Centre for Ageing, Rehabilitation, Exercise and Sport
Footscray Park Campus

PO Box 14428

8001 Melbourne

Australia

Email: Con.Hrysomallis@vu.edu.au

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