Level of Functional Disability in Hockey Players with Turf Toe Using Foot Function Index Questionnaire

Functional Disability in Hockey Players with Turf Toe

Abstract

Background: Turf toe is a hyper-extension injury to the soft tissue of the first or hallux metatarsophalangeal joint. It results in significant functional disability and affect the performance of players in hockey games. Push off, all important in hockey is markedly impaired. To some extent, forward drive and running may also be compromised. Objective: The purpose of the study is to evaluate the level of functional disability in male hockey players with turf toe by using a foot function index questionnaire. Methods: This cross-sectional study was conducted over one hundred and twenty turf toe male patients according to inclusion and exclusion criteria. Non-probability purposive sampling was used to assemble data from various sports complexes in Lahore. Male hockey players aged between 18to 35 years, having turf surface used as playing surface and unilateral turf toe were included The level of function disability was evaluated by Foot Function Index Questionnaire. The data was analyzed through the Statistical Package for Social Science version 20 and that software was also used for the data analysis.  The study variables are presented in form of the descriptive statistics (tables, graphs and percentages). Ethical approval was obtained from the ethical committee of the University of Lahore. The questionnaire is accompanied by an information sheet that explains the nature and purpose of the study and describes that the consent was taken by every player. Results: The mean of the functional disability in 120 male hockey players with turf toe was 76.78 and the standard deviation of 23.51162. The level of functional disability related to turf toe was measured with Foot Function Index and it varied from mild to severe. Most of the players with turf toe have moderate functional disability. Conclusion: It was concluded that among 120 participants, most of the adult male hockey players presented with turf toe were lie between 24 to 29 age had moderate disability and were suffering from moderate functional disability. A comparison can be made between the level of functional disability caused by the injury to the first MTP among hockey players playing on a turf field and natural grassy surface.