The "Bad Ragaz Ring Method" aquatic therapy for improving balance in football players aged 11-12 with ankle sprains

Abstract

The aim of this research is to assess the effects of the aquatic prevention and rehabilitation program on balance in junior football players with ankle sprains by testing the limits of stability (LoS) following the application of the aquatic prevention and rehabilitation program (hydrokinetic therapy, Bad Ragaz Ring Method (BRRM), technical elements and procedures specific to the football game) and land physical therapy. Methods Twenty-two junior football players (11- 12-year-olds) was divided into experimental and control groups diagnosed with ankle sprains participated in the research.The experimental group performed the physical therapy program: BRRM, aquatic prevention and rehabilitation program, whereas the control group only performed the land physical therapy program. The Balance Trainer BTG4 platform allowed us to test the LoS by analyzing 4 parameters: anterior tilt, posterior tilt, left lateral tilt, right lateral tilt. Results The results showed that both programs were effective, but the comparison between the level of the evaluated parameters showed higher indices in the experimental group compared to the control group. The program applied to the experimental group produced improvements of balance in soccer athletes with ankle sprains. Conclusions The comparative analysis between the initial and final testing, in each group, indicates progress in terms of the balance. The comparative analysis between the groups clearly shows that the program developed for the experimental group (BRRM, physical therapy on land and in the aquatic environment, with technical elements specific to the game of football) have led to significant improvements.