An Investigation of Ankle Injury Prevalence and Its Mechanism Among Iranian Professional Karateka

Objective: The aim of the current study was to investigate the ankle injury mechanism and its prevalence among the Iranian Iranian Professional Karateka. Methods: 390 Kumite karateka (age 24/5±2/8 years and weight 63/5±11/8 kg) attendant in the national team qualifiers participated in this study. The information of ankle injuries such as history, injury mechanism, and effects of ankle symptoms on ability to perform daily and sports activities was obtained through FAAM (Foot and Ankle Ability Measure) questionnaire. Descriptive statistics (mean and standard deviation) were used to describe the data, and Pearson's correlation test was used to determine the relationship between daily and sport FAAM subscales and self-reported scores with a significance level of (P≤0/05). Results: 86 percent of the karateka’s in the present study had ankle sprains and injuries, and the most injuries occurred during the competition. The most important mechanism of ankle injuries was abrupt rotation of the foot and kicking the opponent, and in most cases subjects did self-treatment and did not see a physician. Correlation coefficients of the scale of daily and sports activities with athletes' self-reported scores were (r=0/588, P=0/000*) and (r= 0/742, P=0/000*), respectively. Conclusion: Regarding the prevalence of ankle injuries among athletes, it recommended that special proprioception sense and strengthen protocol in other to reduce the injury’s risk factor. According to the lack of follow-up of athletes in most cases in the treatment and rehabilitation of ankle injuries, it is highly recommended that the post-injury recovery process be monitored by a physician and back to sport with this regard.