Functional Disability and Pain among Football Players Suffering from Ankle Sprain at Club Level; A Cross-sectional Survey

Ankle Sprain in Football Players

Abstract

Background: Football is a sport that demands intense physical and mental exertion, exposing players to a higher risk of injury than other sports. This risk exists at both professional and recreational levels across all age groups. Renowned football clubs place significant emphasis on their players' training to augment their team performance. Objective: To evaluate the functional disability among football players that impedes daily activities, intensifies pain, and limits sports-related participation during daily practice sessions at the club level. Methods: A cross-sectional survey was conducted at various Football Clubs in Lahore to gather data. The study concluded six months post-approval of the summary. The non-probability convenience sampling technique was adopted. A sample size of 425 players was determined using Epitool. The numeric pain rating scale and the foot and ankle disability index were employed to gauge the level of pain and functional disability. Descriptive statistics were applied to calculate means and standard deviations. Results: The majority of the players (66.16 ± 27.67) experienced mild functional disability due to ankle sprains. In terms of pain levels, 27.5% had no pain, 35.4% had mild pain, 28.6% had moderate pain, 7.0% had severe pain, and 1.1% reported unbearable pain. On the sports scale, 39.6% had no difficulty, 23.8% had slight difficulty, 20.9% had moderate difficulty, 13.1% had extreme difficulty, and 2.7% were unable to participate in their desired sport. Sports activities were more impacted than daily life activities, with mild pain commonly experienced during routine activities and minimal pain at rest and in the mornings. Conclusion: In summary, this study on club-level football players highlights the significant impact of ankle sprains on their functional abilities, pain levels, and participation in sports activities. Players experienced mild functional disability, varying levels of pain, and limitations specifically in club-level football. Preventive measures, early intervention, and proper rehabilitation are crucial to mitigate the impact of ankle sprains and support the well-being and participation of club-level football players.