Evaluation of the effects of soccer practice and of a targeted training program on the mobility and posture of the ankle in players of different ages. Valutazione degli effetti della pratica nel calcio e di un programma di allenamento adattato sulla mobilità e postura della caviglia in giocatori di diversa età

Soccer (football) is among the most practiced sports in many countries of the world and involves many young people as well as adults. Unfortunately, some negative aspects have, however, been associated with the practice of football. Among the joints, the ankle is one of those most involved in football and is particularly exposed to injury. Considering these possible effects it is important because the ankle plays a fundamental role in the quality of movement and posture. The risk of ankle mobility impairment is considered important due to its numerous and feared consequences. Decreased ankle range of motion (ROM) is in itself a risk factor for injury such as repetitive ankle sprains, as well as affecting the quality of balance, posture, gait and running of players. Furthermore, a reduction of ankle ROM can be itself a risk factor of overuse for articular and periarticular structures. In this sense, in footballers a vicious circle would be defined over time where the practice of sport involves the development of joint stiffness of the ankle which, in turn, increases the risk of injuries and overuse. All this can, therefore, negatively affect the same AJM. It has also been reported that the negative effects associated with the presence of limited ankle ROM may persist in former players even some time after the interruption of the activity. Even if research activities have been aimed at understanding the extent and causes of the reduction of ROM in soccer players, many aspects related to the manifestation, extent, trend and effects as well as treatment of this alterations remain to be clarified. Furthermore, there are still no clear indications regarding the effects of exercise protocols aimed at preventing or improving AJM deficits in these players. The pursuit of these objectives, which will be addressed in the present thesis, can also represent an opportunity to improve the performance of players and teams