Prevalence and Impact of Chronic Ankle Instability Among Recreational Athletes During Amateur Sports Programs in Collegiate
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Abstract
Background: Chronic ankle instability is a recurrent and functionally limiting condition that may follow ankle sprain, particularly in young athletes exposed to jumping, landing, pivoting, and rapid directional changes during sports participation. Objective: To determine the prevalence of chronic ankle instability and assess its relationship with ankle functional status among collegiate recreational athletes participating in amateur sports programs. Methods: This cross-sectional observational study included 100 collegiate recreational athletes aged 18–24 years from multiple universities and colleges in Karachi. Participants were involved in amateur sports including volleyball, football, basketball, cricket, and other athletics. Chronic ankle instability was assessed using the Cumberland Ankle Instability Tool, while ankle dorsiflexion range of motion was measured with a smartphone-based goniometer. Mechanical ankle instability was further evaluated using the Talar Tilt Test. Data were analyzed using descriptive statistics and Pearson correlation analysis. Results: Chronic ankle instability was identified in 19% of participants, including 12% with moderate instability and 7% with mild instability. Most participants were classified as stable by Cumberland score. Mean dorsiflexion was 21.62° for the right ankle and 21.44° for the left ankle. The correlation between dorsiflexion and Cumberland score was weak and not statistically significant (r = 0.079, p = 0.434). Positive Talar Tilt findings were observed in 3% of right ankles and 1% of left ankles. Conclusion: Chronic ankle instability was present in nearly one-fifth of collegiate recreational athletes and was more commonly reflected as functional instability than mechanical laxity. Early screening, preventive education, proprioceptive training, strengthening, and structured rehabilitation may reduce recurrent ankle sprain risk and improve safe sports participation.
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