Relationship between ankle instability and hip strength among recreational pickleball players - A correlational study

The study aims to assess the relationship between ankle instability and hip strength among recreational pickleball players aged eighteen to thirty five years Pickleball is a rapidly growing recreational sport that involves frequent lateral movements sudden changes in direction and repeated starting and stopping actions These movement patterns place increased stress on the lower extremities particularly the ankle and hip joints Ankle instability is commonly reported among recreational players and may affect balance movement control and overall performance Hip muscle strength plays an important role in maintaining lower limb stability and controlling dynamic movements during sports activities However there is limited research examining the association between ankle instability and hip strength specifically in recreational pickleball players

This correlational study will be conducted in selected pickleball clubs and courts Recreational pickleball players who meet the inclusion criteria and provide written informed consent will be recruited Ankle instability will be assessed using a standardized ankle instability questionnaire Hip muscle strength will be measured using a digital handheld dynamometer Self reported musculoskeletal symptoms will also be documented using a standardized questionnaire

The data collected will be analyzed using appropriate statistical methods to determine the relationship between ankle instability and hip strength The findings of this study may help in identifying recreational pickleball players who are at risk of lower limb instability and injury The results may contribute to the development of targeted injury prevention strategies conditioning programs and rehabilitation approaches to enhance safety performance and promote long term participation in pickleball