OBJECTIVES: The aim of the study was to compare high-top and low-top basketball shoes in respect of injury and stability of joint.

METHODS: Throughout our study an edited questionnaire was applied to analyse the injuries. The prevalence of the injuries was calculated from the completed questionnaires of 51 players. Furthermore, instrumental examination of the proprioception in the ankle joints was also managed on the stabilometric device of Bretz. Romberg’s test was also done. 20 basketball players participated in the study, 10 wore low-top, while the other 10 players wore high-top shoes during the matches. The medio-lateral and the antero-posterior movements and deviations of the balance of the ankle joints were measured.

RESULTS: The results of the study revealed no significant differences in matter of all the examined factors. Significant deviation (p=0.038) was found as a result of the examination of the medio-lateral movment of the ankle joint which was fulfilled by having the eyes of subjects closed. The averages of the examinations with closed eyes were 1.077m and 1.204m. During the antero-posterior shift the result of the low-top shoes was 1.004m while the high-top shoes was 1.008m (p=0.957). Unfortunately, the remaining measurements coping with movements showed no significant differences. Regarding the injuries, a significant difference emerged between the wearers of shoes with low- and high-top. Altogether 78 injuries were documented (36 knees, 46 ankles). In the aspect of ankle injuries we found no significance. At the low-top shoe group there were 27 injuries while the high-top shoe group there were 9 injuries in the knee joint (p=0.024).

CONCLUSIONS: It can be concluded that the height of the leg of the basketball shoes is not a significant risk factor regarding the injuries therefore they do not affect proprioception.