A Study to Evaluate the Effectiveness of Plyometric Training Program Versus Conventional Program on Pain and Ankle Instability Among Football Players – Randomized Controlled Trial (RCT)

Author: Muralisankar K.S.I., Aarthi S., Abinaya S. and Dhivyadharshini V.

Download PDF

Abstract

Ankle instability means repetitive ankle sprains or re-damage and the complaint of subjective feelings such as ankle giving away in daily living activities. Football players require dynamic muscular performance. Strength and performance can be improved by plyometric training. It involves physical activities that require muscles to contract with their maximal force for brief periods of time in order to improve dynamic performances. The study was conducted at Indira Gandhi stadium, Uppalam, Puducherry, 64 football players were randomly recruited for this study (n=32 in each group – Group A&B). Group A received plyometric training program. Group B received conventional therapy for 6 weeks. VAS and CAIT were recorded before and after intervention of 6 weeks. Only the variables of pain severity and ankle instability were studied, and females were not included in the study due to its limited sample size. A similar study with a bigger sample size might make it easier to draw firm conclusions and establish generalisations. It could also be used to measure the strength, agility, and proprioceptive abilities of the ankle and to evaluate the exercise regimen for different sports players. The result shows that the VAS and CAIT scores are improved significantly in both groups, but the difference of improvement is higher in group A, who received plyometric training program. Plyometric training program is much better than the conventional therapy for the management of ankle instability.

Keywords

Ankle Instability, Football Players, Plyometric Training Program, Conventional Program, Visual Analogue Scale and Cumberland Ankle Instability Tool

Conclusion

The current study demonstrates that plyometric training programmes have been successful in reducing ankle sprain among football players, even though strengthening is a crucial factor in the treatment of ankle sprains that have weak ankles. Plyometric training programmes help athlete’s ankle stability while also enhancing their neuromuscular, neuro-motor, and sensory-motor systems, improving their static and dynamic balance, and reducing the risk of injury recurrence in patients with injured ankles. According to the statistical findings, plyometric exercise significantly improved ankle stability and pain levels in football players with ankle instability (Group A) compared to those who underwent conventional therapy (Group B).

References

-

How to cite this article

Muralisankar K.S.I., Aarthi S., Abinaya S. and Dhivyadharshini V. (2023). A Study to Evaluate the Effectiveness of Plyometric Training Program Versus Conventional Program on Pain and Ankle Instability Among Football Players – Randomized Controlled Trial (RCT). Biological Forum – An International Journal, 15(5): 21-24.