Affiliations: [a] University of Ljubljana, Faculty of Sport, Department
of Sports Medicine, Ljubljana, Slovenia | [b] University of Ljubljana, Faculty of Sport, Department
of Volleyball, Ljubljana, Slovenia | [c] University Clinic Golnik, Laboratory for Respiratory
Physiology, Golnik, Slovenia | [d] Slovenian Institute for Rehabilitation, Ljubljana,
Slovenia
Note: [] Address for correspondence: Vedran Hadzic, MD, University of
Ljubljana, Faculty of Sport, Department of Sports Medicine, Gortanova 22
Street, Ljubljana, Slovenia. E-mail: vedran.hadzic@guest.arnes.si
Abstract: Injuries in volleyball are sport specific and occur around the net
during spiking and blocking. The most common acute injury in volleyball is
ankle sprain. There are limited data about the intrinsic risk factors for the
ankle sprains in volleyball players. We investigated the influence of muscle
strength, postural balance and active range of motion on the ankle sprain
occurrence in volleyball players. In 38 professional volleyball players we have
tested the strength of plantar and dorsal flexors using isokinetic dynamometer.
Dynamic postural balance was measured using Biodex Balance System and active
range of motion was tested by the means of universal goniometry. Following the
testing players were prospectively followed up over a season, with injuries and
exposure rates registered by the team coaches. Binary logistic regression was
used to evaluate the role of individual risk factors. The main findings of our
study indicate that higher strength of plantar flexors (odds ratio 1.22, 95%
C.I. 1.04–1.43, p< 0.05) and decreasing range of motion in
dorsiflexion (odds ratio 0.63, 95% C.I. 0.41–0.97) are significant risk
factors for the ankle sprain. The results are suggesting that both risk factors
are limiting the ability to land safely from a jump, and that plyometric
exercises, proper landing technique and gastrocnemius stretching should be
emphasized in the preventive training programs in volleyball players.
