The Influence of Acute Static Stretching on the Ankle Joint-position Sense of Soccer Players

The Influence of Acute Static Stretching on the Ankle Joint-position Sense of Soccer Players: a Randomized Controlled Trial

The aim of this study isto investigate the influence of acute static stretching on the ankle joint position sense of soccer players.

This crossover randomized controlled trial will include semi-professional soccer players. All participants will perform 3 conditions: two experimental conditions, of static stretching of the gastrocnemius and tibialis anterior muscles, for 30 seconds or 90 seconds; and a control condition (rest). Ankle joint position sense of the dominant limb will be assessed before and immediately after the conditions for the range of 20º of plantar flexion by active repositioning, and using a video camera. Absolute, relative and variable angular errors will be calculated.

Inclusion Criteria:

• male soccer players from the senior level
• aged between 18 and 30 years old
• with normal plantar flexion range of motion
• without history of lower limb injuries in the last 6 months

Exclusion Criteria:

• those with cardiorespiratory, vestibular or neurological diseases
• with bone or joint deformities in the lower limb
• cerebral concussion in the last 3 months
• history of lower limb surgery
• those with positive ankle integrity tests (anterior drawer test, talus tilt test and external rotation stress test)