An 8-week modified FIFA 11+ training program improves postural balance, proprioception and movement performance in Iranian National Ultimate Frisbee players with functional ankle instability.

Abstract

Ankle injuries are among the most prevalent injuries experienced by Frisbee players. These injuries can lead to serious consequences, including recurrent sprains, prolonged absences from physical activity, and financial burdens for the players. This underscores the critical need for effective prevention strategies for ankle injuries in Frisbee. This study aims to evaluate the effectiveness of an 8-week FIFA 11+ training program on postural balance, proprioception and movement performance in players of the Iranian national Ultimate Frisbee team who exhibit functional ankle instability. In this study, 26 male and female athletes from the national Ultimate Frisbee team, aged between 20 and 30, were selected and randomly divided into experimental and control groups. During the pre-test phase, postural balance factors, proprioception, and ankle motor function were assessed using a force plate device and Kinovea software. The experimental group then performed modified FIFA 11+ exercises for 8 weeks, after which they were re-evaluated to assess changes in the aforementioned factors. A covariance test was employed to analyse the data. The ANCOVA results revealed that the intervention group demonstrated significant improvements in jumping performance (<i>p</i> = 0.001) and postural stability in both the anterior-posterior (<i>p</i> = 0.001) and medial-lateral (<i>p</i> = 0.018) directions compared to the control group. Additionally, the findings of this study indicated enhanced lower extremity kinematics (<i>p</i> = 0.007) and improved ankle joint position sense during both dorsiflexion (<i>p</i> = 0.001) and plantarflexion (<i>p</i> = 0.020) in the intervention group relative to the control group. The findings of this study indicate that modified FIFA + 11 exercises enhance postural balance, proprioception, and ankle movement performance in Frisbee athletes. Consequently, these exercises can be utilised to prevent injuries and improve both postural balance and proprioceptive awareness, as well as the movement performance of Frisbee players' ankles. Level III.