The primary objective of this randomized intervention
trial was to determine if a program of balance training,
implemented in the preseason and maintained throughout
the season, would reduce the risk of ankle sprains in male
and female high school athletes. This study also sought to
determine whether (1) the effect of the intervention was
the same for athletes with or without a history of an ankle
sprain; (2) the rate of ankle sprain was affected by independent
variables such as gender, sport, leg dominance,
use of ankle supports, and ankle laxity; and (3) balance
training reduced the severity of ankle sprains.