INCIDENCE AND FACTORS RELATED TO ANKLE SPRAINS IN ATHLETES OF FUTSAL NATIONAL TEAMS

Abstract

Introduction: Like soccer, the most popular sport on the planet, futsal also is regulated by the Fédération Internationale de Football Association (FIFA). Although futsal is increasingly popular worldwide, few authors have studied futsal injuries. Objective: To analyze the incidence and factors related one of the most common sports injury – the ankle sprain – in world elite futsal athletes. Methods: 65 male athletes from six national futsal teams (Brazil, Argentina, Chile, Italy, Croatia and, Czech Republic) answer a questionnaire included information about their personal data, history of ankle sprains during their careers, and more in-depth data on ankle sprains in 2006 (the year of the research). Results: A total of 75.38% of the athletes had suffered ankle sprains in their careers, 63.27% in both ankles, 24.49% in the dominant ankle only, and 12.24% in the nondominant ankle only. Among the 2006 injuries, 81.25% were characterized as inversion injuries and 18.75% as eversion injuries; 50% were recurrences, and 37.5% of the athletes still had clinical symptoms (as pain or instability) at the time of data collection. Conclusions: Ankle sprains occur frequently in futsal athletes and can result in persistent symptoms. We hope the present results help physiotherapists to design rehabilitation and prevention efficient programs, thus reducing players’ time out of sporting activities and improving their performance.