Effectiveness of structured exercise program in young basketball players with and without ankle sprain history

BACKGROUND: It is crucial to recognize the benefits of a well-organized training program for young basketball players. Such programs can help prevent injuries and enhance the athletic performance of players, whether or not they have had previous ankle sprains. The study aims to investigate the effects of structured exercise program on kinesiophobia, balance and jump performance in basketball players with and without a history of ankle sprain.METHODS: Sixty-two youth basketball players included in the study were divided into two groups as those with a history of ankle sprains (N.=31) and those without (N.=31). The participants were given an exercise plan that following the first assessments. After 8 weeks, the athletes were evaluated for the second time and the effects of the exercise program on them were evaluated with the Tampa Scale for Kinesiophobia, a vertical jump performance test called Optojump and the Y balance test.RESULTS: At the end of 8 weeks, a statistically significant improvement was observed in the Optojump scores in the group with a history of ankle sprains (P=0.011, P=0.012). A difference was found between the Y balance test scores of both extremities in the basketball players who did not sustain ankle sprains (P=0.001, P=0.031). When the pre- and post-treatment values of both groups were examined, the latter were found to have improved. CONCLUSIONS: In young basketball players with ankle ligament sprain, structured exercises based on balance, plyometric and proprioceptive exercises applied in addition to the standard rehabilitation program have positive effects on functional capacity and balance.