Investigation of the relationship between dynamic neuromuscular stabilization tests, ankle proprioception acuity and lower extremity functional performance tests in football players

This study examined the relationship among trunk stabilization, ankle proprioceptive acuity, a current approach, and lower extremity functional performance tests for each return step to activity, sports, play and competition after injury. This study also compared the dominant and non-dominant extremities to examine the effect of a possible asymmetric response on the test results. Twenty male football players participated (age: 20.7 ± 1.6 years, height: 17.5 ± 6.7 cm, body weight: 69.0 ± 7.0 kg, football experience: 8.2 ± 2.7 years, body mass index: 22.1 ± 1.5 kg/m²) in this study. Testing sessions involved assessments of the ankle active movement discrimination proprioceptive acuity test for the right and left side extremities, intra-abdominal pressure, diaphragm and hip flexion tests among the DNS tests, then the Y-balance test, single leg hop test, side hop test and T-drill agility test. Among the DNS tests, significant positive differences were found in the diaphragm test and hip flexion test responses (p<0.05). The total score of the right side and left side of proprioception was also found to be positively correlated (p<0.05). In addition to these results, proprioceptive acuity values at four different degrees of inversion of the ankle were examined separately for each degree, and the correct response averages of the athletes at 16 degrees on the right and left sides were found to be significantly higher than at 12 and 14 degrees (p<0.05). Additionally, the Y balance left composite score and Y balance limb symmetry index were found to be positively significant (p<0.05). As a result, applying these three test groups in sports clinical practice is very new, so awareness about the relationship between neuromuscular function, stabilization and performance in sports and daily life has been increased. Additionally, sports professionals should consider these issues to facilitate clinical screening and the development of interventions with the potential for injury reduction.