Effects of Isometric Training on Ankle Mobility and Change-of-Direction Performance in Professional Basketball Players

Basketball requires high-intensity, multidirectional movements that place significant stress on the ankle joint. Limited dorsiflexion and reduced change-of-direction (COD) ability are associated with impaired movement efficiency and may contribute to injury mechanisms. Isometric training may help address these limitations in professional players. To assess the effects of a season-long isometric intervention program on ankle dorsiflexion and COD performance in professional basketball players. Fourteen professional players (mean age 25.6 ± 3.9 years) completed a season-long isometric intervention program (5 days/week), which included three force-steady sustained running postures and two gym-based exercises performed at 80% maximal voluntary contraction for 15–20 s per repetition (12 reps/set, 3 sets/session). Significant improvements were observed in both ankle dorsiflexion and COD performance. Dorsiflexion increased by 34.0% in the left leg and 19.4% in the right leg (Lunge Test). COD performance in the L-Test improved by 10.0% for the leftwards side and 11.6% for the rightward side from pre- to post-intervention. Isometric training improved ankle dorsiflexion and COD performance in professional basketball players, suggesting potential performance benefits and enhanced movement efficiency in multidirectional tasks.