Year: 2026 | Month: May | Volume: 13 | Issue: 5 | Pages: 386-397
DOI: https://doi.org/10.52403/ijrr.20260534
Prevalence of Proprioceptive Deficits in Football Players with Knee Ligament Injury
Dr. Tanvi Rajendra Aklekar1, Dr. Ravindra Karbhari Aher2
1Intern, Motiwala College of Physiotherapy Nashik, Maharashtra, India
2Professor & HOD, Department of Musculoskeletal Physiotherapy, Motiwala College of Physiotherapy Nashik
Corresponding Author: Dr. Tanvi Rajendra Aklekar
ABSTRACT
Background: Proprioception is essential for joint stability and neuromuscular control, and its impairment following knee ligament injuries may increase the risk of re-injury in football players.
Methodology: This observational study included 70 elite football players post-surgical ACL, MCL, or PCL injuries. Participants were assessed after 8 weeks using the Modified Star Excursion Balance Test (mSEBT) and Joint Position Sense (JPS). Data were analyzed to determine prevalence and correlation of proprioceptive deficits.
Results: SEBT composite scores were lower in the affected limb (0.81 ± 0.10) compared to the normal limb (0.90 ± 0.07). JPS errors were higher in the affected limb (7.98° ± 6.77) than the normal limb (3.32° ± 1.51). A significant positive correlation was found between normal and affected limb SEBT scores (r = 0.361, p = 0.002), while no correlation was observed between SEBT and JPS.
Conclusion: Football players exhibited significant proprioceptive deficits post-injury. mSEBT and JPS assess distinct aspects of proprioception and should be used together for comprehensive rehabilitation.
Keywords: Proprioception, Knee ligament injury, mSEBT, Joint Position Sense, Football players
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