“Factors responsible for ankle injuries among basketball players”

Abstract

Background: Basketball is a high-intensity sport that requires frequent jumping, rapid changes in direction, and physical contact all of which increase the risk of ankle injuries, especially among young athletes. Ankle sprains, ligament tears, and related injuries are common and often recurring issues that can significantly affect players' performance and career longevity. Objective: This study aimed to identify the risk factors associated with ankle injuries among basketball players and to examine their relationship with injury occurrence. Methods: A cross-sectional quantitative study was conducted among 100 basketball players from four institutions: BKSP, CRP, Jahangirnagar University, and Dhaka University. Data were collected using a structured 52-question questionnaire covering demographics, injury history, training habits, footwear, playing surfaces, protective equipment, and warm-up routines. SPSS software was used for statistical analysis, including Spearman’s correlation and Chi square tests. Results: The findings revealed that 35% of participants had a history of ankle injuries, with sprains being the most common (22%). A statistically significant correlation was found between ankle injuries and factors such as inadequate warm-up (r = 0.921, p < 0.01), type of footwear (r = 0.555, p < 0.01), use of protective equipment (r = 0.482, p < 0.01), and history of previous injury (r = 0.511, p < 0.01). Moreover, a significant negative correlation existed between playing experience (r = -0.465, p < 0.01) and daily playing hours (r = -0.562, p < 0.01) with the number of ankle injuries. Chi-square analysis also supported these associations. However, factors such as playing position, age, and playing surface did not show significant correlation with injury frequency. Conclusion: Ankle injuries among basketball players are influenced by multiple modifiable factors, including warm-up practices, footwear choices, use of protective gear, and previous injury history. Proper training, preventive strategies, and awareness programs are essential to reduce injury rates. The study highlights the urgent need for structured injury prevention interventions tailored to local athletic environments in Bangladesh. Keywords: Ankle injuries, Basketball, Risk factors, Warm-up, Protective equipment, Footwear, Bangladesh, Cross-sectional study