Sports Participation and Ankle Injury Prevalence Among Medical School Students

Abstract

Purpose: The aim of this study is to evaluate the prevalence of ankle injuries and the tendency of medical students to participate in sports, and the effect of medical school preparation and study process on participation in sports. Material and methods: A cross-sectional descriptive study was conducted among medical students at Pamukkale University Faculty of Medicine. Data were collected using an online questionnaire covering aspects of sports participation before and after medical school, types and frequency of sports played, and history of ankle injuries. Statistical analysis was performed to examine changes in sports participation and injury prevalence. Results: A total of 253 students took part in the study. Of these, 135 (53.4%) participated in sports before medical school, with volleyball (28%), football (17%) and basketball (17%) being the most common. Ankle injuries were particularly common in football (50%), basketball (33%) and volleyball (21%). After starting medical school, 48 of the students reduced or stopped their sports activities, citing academic workload as the main reason. However, 46 students started sports activities espacially fitness. Conclusion: The study highlights a significant decline in sports participation during the university entrance exam among medical students due to academic pressure, with a notable prevalence of ankle injuries in high-impact sports. During medical school education, there is an increasing tendency to engage in fitness-style sports with a lower risk of injury. © 2025, Pamukkale University. All rights reserved.