Related Experiment Video
Updated: Mar 30, 2026
Evaluating Postural Control and Lower-extremity Muscle Activation in Individuals with Chronic Ankle Instability
Published on: September 18, 2020
Dynamic postural stability differences between male and female players with and without ankle sprain
Joan M Dallinga1, Henrike T D van der Does2, Anne Benjaminse2
1University of Groningen, University Medical Center Groningen, Center for Human Movement Sciences, Antonius Deusinglaan 1, 9713 AV Groningen, The Netherlands.
Objectives:
To evaluate dynamic stability index (DSI) differences between males and females for different jump directions. To examine both preseason DSI differences between players with and without a history of ankle sprain, and between players with and without an ankle sprain during the subsequent season.
Design:
Prospective cohort design.
Setting:
Laboratory.
Participants:
47 male (22.9 ± 3.9 y) and 19 female (21.5 ± 2.9 y) sub-elite and elite team sport players.
Main Outcome Measures:
Ankle sprain history was collected using an injury history questionnaire. DSI of a single-leg hop-stabilization task measured preseason was collected using force plates and calculated using a Matlab program. Ankle sprains were reported during the subsequent season.
Results:
Male players demonstrated larger DSI than female players on forward medial/lateral stability index (MLSI) and vertical stability index (VSI), diagonal VSI, and lateral anterior/posterior stability index (APSI) and VSI. Forward, diagonal and lateral dynamic postural stability indices (DPSI) were larger for males (p < 0.001). No significant differences were found between players with and without a previous ankle sprain nor between players with and without an ankle sprain during the subsequent season.
Conclusion:
Male players showed larger DSI scores than female players, indicating lower dynamic stability. Sex-specific training sessions or prevention programs should be developed.
