Role of Sharp Pivoting in Ankle Sprain Risk Among Collegiate Soccer Players and the Effectiveness of Stabilization Exercises in Prevention

Soccer is a physically demanding sport that requires players to make quick movements, sharp turns, and sudden stops to stay competitive. One common movement in the game is sharp pivoting, where a player rapidly changes direction to avoid opponents or regain control of the ball. While this movement is essential to the game, it places immense pressure on the ankle joint, increasing the risk of sprains. Ankle sprains occur when the ligaments surrounding the ankle are overstretched or torn due to excessive force, leading to pain, swelling, and instability.1 For collegiate soccer players, these injuries can negatively impact their performance, prolong recovery time, and increase their chances of recurring ankle injuries.2,3