Comparison of the Psychological Profile of Ankle Sprain Between Coper and Chronic Ankle Instability Individuals: Cross-sectional Study

Abstract

Background: The aim of this study was to compare the psychological parameters in Coper individuals and people with chronic ankle instability (CAI).Methods: This study was a cross-sectional and comparative study. Sixty elite athletes, from multiple athletic disciplines, who have suffered from lateral ankle sprains at least once in the last two years, were selected as research subjects and were divided into two groups: Copers (n = 30) and CAI (n = 30). Classification of CAI, and coper groups were done by AJFAT, CAIT and FAAM self-report questionnaires. Athletes' psychological characteristics were measured using the Ottawa Mental Skills Assessment Tool (OMSAT-3). Multivariate analysis of variance (MANOVA) and independent t-test were used to evaluate the differences between groups at a significance level of 0.05. Results: The results showed there was a significant difference between the two groups in Goal setting, Self-confidence, Commitment, Relaxation, Fear control and Coping with stress, Focusing, Refocusing, and Mental practice (P <0.05). And Coper athletes scored higher than ankle instability athletes. But there were no significant differences between the two groups in the following parameters: Inactivation, Imagery, and Competition planning skills (P <0.05).Conclusion: The findings showed that athletes with CAI scored lower than Coper athletes on psychological exams. Given the importance of prioritizing the mental components of goal setting, imagery, relaxation, activation, and self-confidence, the design of the competition should be a priority for rehabilitation. Therefore, coaches and sports experts are recommended to focus and improve mental skills in athletes who suffer from sports injuries, to reduce the occurrence of repetitive sports injuries.