Joint mobility in young male soccer players

Problem Statement: It is known that the practice of soccer can negatively affect the anatomy and mobility of the ankle even in the case of young subjects. This condition is worthy of attention because it can have serious consequences for the movement and health of athletes. Purpose: The aim of this study was to investigate how the ankle joint mobility (AJM) trend of young male soccer players (SP) changes during their growth. Material and Methods: In 173 young male SP (7-17 years) and in 67 non-soccer controls practicing volleyball-basketball, who were matched for sex, body mass index (BMI), and age, AJM in plantar flexion (APF) and dorsiflexion (ADF) was evaluated using an inclinometer. Flexibility was evaluated by the Sit and Reach test. Moreover, data were collected for sports practiced, years of activity, history of injuries, dominant kicking leg. Results: Young SP showed an AJM significantly lower in both plantar and dorsiflexion compared to the non-SP (124.8±19.5° vs 138.7±20.6° p<0.001). Multivariate analysis showed that the age significantly influences the Total AJM (p=0.004) and ankle dorsiflexion (p=0.002) but not the plantar flexion. This relationship was not found in controls. Regarding the SP, Spearman's correlation analysis showed that dorsiflexion and Total AJM were inversely correlated with Age (p<0.011; p<0.013 respectively) and BMI (p<0.001). The progression of limited AJM that was significant already in the younger subjects (7-10 years) slowed in SP of 11-13 years and then increased significantly in subjects of 14-17 years. No difference between the dominant and non-dominant leg AJM was observed in the SP group. Conclusions: Young SP can show a sport related reduction of the AJM. This joint deficit was inversely correlated with age and BMI. These results can be useful for future studies aimed at preventing and managing the reduction of AJM in SP.