Plyometric Training on Balance and Foot Function among Collegiate Football Players with Lateral Ankle Sprains: A Quasi-Experimental Study

Abstract

Introduction: Ankle sprains are common in competitive sports, especially football, accounting for approximately 15–17% of collegiate athletic injuries. Lateral ankle sprains (LAS) occur frequently due to rapid directional changes, jumping, and intense landings. Plyometric training, involving explosive and dynamic movements, is gaining attention for its role in rehabilitation and injury prevention. This study aimed to evaluate the effectiveness of plyometric training on balance and foot function among collegiate football players with LAS.

Materials and Methods: Collegiate football players with LAS completed a four-week plyometric training program consisting of three 30-minute sessions per week that included Pogo hops, lateral jumps, forward jumps, and single-leg split squats. The values of the star excursion balance test (SEBT) and foot function index (FFI) scores pre- and post-intervention were compared using a paired-samples t-test with significance set at P<0.05.

Results: The study showed significant improvements in SEBT scores in the right (anterior: 83.5±6.2% to 87.6±5.9%, P<0.001) and left limbs (anterior: 82.9±6.4% to 87±6.1%, P<0.001), with similar gains in the posteromedial and posterolateral directions. FFI total scores also improved significantly (23.4±6.8 to 15.9±5.7, t=8.62, P<0.001), indicating better balance and foot function.

Conclusion: Plyometric training is typically effective at enhancing balance and foot function in collegiate football players recovering from LAS.