Citation

Eils E, Schröter R, Schröder M, Gerss J, Rosenbaum D. Med. Sci. Sports Exerc. 2010; 42(11): 2098-2105.

Affiliation

Funktionsbereich Bewegungsanalytik (Movement Analysis Lab), Orthopaedic Department, University Hospital Muenster, Domagkstrasse 3, 48149 Muenster, Germany 2Institute of Sport Science, Motion Science, University of Muenster, Horstmarer Landweg 62b, 48149 Muenster, Germany. Department of Medical Informatics and Biomathematics, University Hospital Munster, Domagkstrasse 9, 48149 Muenster Germany.

Copyright

(Copyright © 2010, Lippincott Williams and Wilkins)

DOI

10.1249/MSS.0b013e3181e03667

PMID

20386339

Abstract

PURPOSE:: To investigate the effectiveness of a multi-station proprioceptive exercise program for the prevention of ankle injuries in basketball players using a prospective randomized controlled trial in combination with biomechanical tests of neuromuscular performance. METHODS:: 232 players participated in the study and were randomly assigned to a training or control group following the CONSORT-statement. The training group performed a multistation proprioceptive exercise program and the control group continued with their normal work-out routines. During one competitive basketball season the number of ankle injuries was counted and related to the number of sports participation sessions using logistic regression. Additional biomechanical pre-post tests (angle reproduction, postural sway) were performed in both groups to investigate the effects on neuromuscular performance. RESULTS:: In the control group 21 injuries occurred, while in the training group 7 injuries occurred. The risk for sustaining an ankle injury was significantly reduced in the training group by approximately 35%. The corresponding numbers-needed-to-treat (NNT) was 7. Additional biomechanical tests revealed significant improvements in joint position sense and single limb stance in the training group. CONCLUSION:: The multi-station proprioceptive exercise program effectively prevented ankle injuries in basketball players. NNT-analysis clearly showed the relatively low prevention effort that is necessary to avoid an ankle injury. Additional biomechanical tests confirmed the neuromuscular effect, and confirm a relationship between injury prevention and altered neuromuscular performance. With this knowledge, proprioceptive training may be optimized to specifically address the demands in various athletic activities.

Language: en