Impact of Ankle Injuries on Joint Range of Motion and Muscle Viscoelasticity in Female Amateur Volleyball Athletes

Objective Lateral ankle sprain (LAS) is the most common sports injury among athletes, with a higher prevalence in female athletes. This study aimed to investigate differences in ankle range of motion (ROM) and viscoelastic properties between amateur female volleyball players with (AS) and without (NAS) a history of ankle sprain. Methods 41 female participants were included in the study: 25 in the AS group and 16 in the NAS group. Ankle ROM was measured for inversion (IV), eversion (EV), plantar flexion (PF), and dorsiflexion (DF). Viscoelastic properties were assessed in the tibialis anterior (TA), medial gastrocnemius (MG), lateral gastrocnemius (LG), and peroneus longus (PL) muscles. Results A significant difference in DF ROM was observed between the AS and NAS groups. Muscle frequency was significantly higher for TA, MG, and LG in the AS group. Additionally, muscle stiffness in TA, MG, LG, and PL was significantly greater in the AS group. Significant differences in relaxation were found in TA and PL, while creep differences were noted in TA. Conclusions Female amateur volleyball players with a history of ankle sprain exhibited reduced ankle function compared to those without prior injuries, as indicated by differences in ROM and muscle tone.