Ankle laxity and instability in collegiate swimmers

Area of Science:

• Sports Medicine
• Biomechanics
• Orthopedics

Background:

• Ankle flexibility is crucial for maximizing a swimmer's kicking speed.
• The impact of enhanced ankle flexibility in swimmers remains under-documented in scientific literature.
• This study aims to compare ankle laxity, flexibility, and instability between collegiate swimmers and runners.

Purpose of the Study:

• To evaluate and compare ankle laxity, flexibility, and instability in collegiate swimmers versus a control group of runners.
• To investigate potential differences in ankle biomechanics that may influence athletic performance and injury risk.

Main Methods:

• An observational, cross-sectional study involving 41 NCAA Division I collegiate swimmers and runners (ages 18-23).
• Ankle laxity assessed via physical examination (anterior drawer, talar tilt tests).
• Ankle range of motion (ROM) measured using a goniometer; instability assessed with the CAIT survey.

Main Results:

• No significant difference in injury rates between swimmers and runners.
• Swimmers exhibited significantly higher rates of positive talar tilt tests, indicating increased ankle laxity.
• Swimmers demonstrated significantly greater ankle ROM (plantarflexion, inversion, eversion) and lower CAIT scores, signifying greater instability.

Conclusions:

• Collegiate swimmers present with significantly increased ankle flexibility, laxity, and instability compared to runners.
• While current ankle injury rates are similar, heightened laxity and instability may predispose swimmers to future injuries, particularly with cross-training.
• Longitudinal studies are recommended to explore the relationship between swimmer ankle characteristics and injury risk.