BACKGROUND: Ankle sprains are the most common injuries in a variety of sports. HYPOTHESIS: A proprioceptive balance board program is effective for prevention of ankle sprains in volleyball players. STUDY DESIGN: Prospective controlled study. METHODS: There were 116 male and female volleyball teams followed prospectively during the 2001 to 2002 season. Teams were randomized by 4 geographical regions to an intervention group (66 teams, 641 players) and control group (50 teams, 486 players). Intervention teams followed a prescribed balance board training program; control teams followed their normal training routine. The coaches recorded exposure on a weekly basis for each player. Injuries were registered by the players within 1 week after onset. RESULTS: Significantly fewer ankle sprains in the intervention group were found compared to the control group (risk difference = 0.4/1000 playing hours; 95% confidence interval 0.1 to 0.7). A significant reduction in ankle sprain risk was found only for players with a history of ankle sprains. The incidence of overuse knee injuries for players with history of knee injury was increased in the intervention group. History of knee injury may be a contraindication for proprioceptive balance board training. CONCLUSIONS: Use of proprioceptive balance board program is effective for prevention of ankle sprain recurrences.

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