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Intrinsic Risk Factors for Ankle Sprains in Female Soccer Players: Examination of Japanese Top League Players with History of Ankle Sprain [Received June 5, 2020 ; Accepted July 20, 2020] The purpose of this study was to determine the intrinsic risk factors for ankle sprain in female soccer players. Twenty-four female soccer players from one team in Japan Women’s Football League participated in this study. Medical screenings before and during the season were conducted and ankle sprains sustained during one playing season were recorded. The medical screenings included foot alignment, toe flexor strength, joint laxity and range of motion, star excursion balance test, body mass index, body fat percentage, osteo-sono assessment index, and estimated hemoglobin concentration. Players who sustained ankle sprain had significantly increased joint laxity, especially of the ankle joint, reduced performance in the Star Excursion Balance test and weak toe flexor strength. Joint laxity and impaired dynamic balance ability are risk factors for ankle sprain in female soccer players. Keywords: female, soccer, ankle sprain, intrinsic risk factor |