Association between Foot Posture Index and Ankle Sprain in Indoor Football Players

OBJECTIVE: This study investigated the relationship between foot type and ankle sprain incidence.

METHOD: In a prospective cohort study using the FPI, 68 adult male and female indoor football (Futsal) players were measured and their feet were classified according to foot posture index (FPI) as neutral, supinated and pronated. They were followed over 6 month as a one competition season and at the end, any injuries at the ankle during this period were detected.

RESULT: There was no significant association between FPI score (considering the total FPI score and its six components) and occurrence of ankle sprain. Also, no association was existed between gender, age, height, weight, BMI, duration of professional exercise, dominant foot and occurrence of ankle sprain. In this study, the history of previous ankle sprain was the only significant predictor of the occurrence of ankle sprain in the follow-up period. Participants with the positive history of previous ankle sprain were at higher risk of developing new ankle sprain (OR=6.02, 95% CI: (1.93, 18.84), p=0.002).

CONCLUSION: There was no significant association between FPI score and occurrence of ankle sprain.

LIMITATION: There was scarce of supinated foot in the study so evaluation of relationship between supinated feet and ankle sprain was not applicable.