Comparison of static and dynamic balance between football and basketball players with chronic ankle instability

Background: Athletic injuries such as ankle sprain are most common in football and basketball games. Chronic ankle injuries affect the balance performance of these players and influence their future sports' performances. Objective: Purpose of this study was to compare static and dynamic balance in ankle instability among university level football and basketball players. Methods: This study cross-sectional observational design included 24 collegiate level players (12 footballers and 12 basketballers) with chronic ankle instability and were inactive from sports for more than 3 months with a score of 85% or less on the Foot and Ankle Ability Measure Sports scale. Static balance was tested by stork standing test, and dynamic balance was assessed using the Star Excursion Balance Test. Results: Significant differences were observed in the static and dynamic balance between the injured and noninjured limbs for both the football and basketball groups (P < 0.05). Further analysis showed that the difference in the dynamic balance between football players and basketball players was not significantly different (P > 0.05), whereas the static balance was better in football players than the basketball players. Conclusion: This record of differences in the balance due to injury supports the need for sports-specific rehabilitation program for injured players to improve their balance which is essential for playing their sports efficiently.