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Plakoutsis G, Tsepis E, Fousekis K, Paraskevopoulos E, Papandreou M. The Effects of Motor Imagery on Static and Dynamic Balance and on the Fear of Re-Injury in Professional Football Players with Grade II Ankle Sprains. Healthcare (Basel) 2024; 12:1432. [PMID: 39057575 PMCID: PMC11276660 DOI: 10.3390/healthcare12141432] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/05/2024] [Revised: 07/11/2024] [Accepted: 07/15/2024] [Indexed: 07/28/2024] Open
Abstract
Lateral ankle sprains are one of the most frequent athletic injuries in football, causing deficits in balance. Motor Imagery (MI) has been successively included in sports rehabilitation as a complementary therapeutic intervention. The aim of the present study was to explore the effects of MI on static and dynamic balance and on the fear of re-injury in professional football players with Grade II ankle sprains. Fifty-eight participants were randomly allocated into two groups: First-MI group (n = 29) and second-Placebo group (n = 29), and they each received six intervention sessions. The first MI group received MI guidance in addition to the balance training program, while the second Placebo group received only relaxation guidance. One-way ANOVA showed statistically significant results for all variables, both before and 4 weeks after the interventions for both groups. The t-test showed statistically significant differences between the two groups for static balance for the right lower extremity (t = 3.25, S (two-tailed) = 0.002, p < 0.05) and also for heart rate (final value) in all time phases. Further research is needed in order to establish MI interventions in sports trauma recovery using stronger MI treatments in combination with psychophysiological factors associated with sports rehabilitation.
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Affiliation(s)
- George Plakoutsis
- Laboratory of Advanced Physiotherapy, Department of Physiotherapy, University of West Attica, 12243 Athens, Greece
| | - Elias Tsepis
- Department of Physiotherapy, University of Patras, 26504 Patra, Greece
| | | | - Eleftherios Paraskevopoulos
- Laboratory of Advanced Physiotherapy, Department of Physiotherapy, University of West Attica, 12243 Athens, Greece
| | - Maria Papandreou
- Laboratory of Advanced Physiotherapy, Department of Physiotherapy, University of West Attica, 12243 Athens, Greece
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Maria PA, Vuurberg G, Kerkhoffs GMMJ. Exploring influences and risk of bias of studies on return to sport and work after lateral ankle sprain: A systematic review and meta-analysis. World J Meta-Anal 2024; 12:87026. [DOI: 10.13105/wjma.v12.i1.87026] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/19/2023] [Revised: 09/26/2023] [Accepted: 01/02/2024] [Indexed: 03/08/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Lateral ankle sprains are the most common traumatic musculoskeletal injuries of the lower extremity, with an incidence rate of 15%-20%. The high incidence and prevalence highlights the economic impact of this injury. Ankle sprains lead to a high socioeconomic burden due to the combination of the high injury incidence and high medical expenses. Up to 40% of patients who suffer from an ankle sprain develop chronic ankle instability. Chronic instability can lead to prolonged periods of pain, immobility and injury recurrence. Identification of factors that influence return to work (RTW) and return to sports (RTS) after a lateral ankle sprain (LAS) may help seriously reduce healthcare costs.
AIM To explore which factors may potentially affect RTW and RTS after sustaining an LAS.
METHODS EMBASE and PubMed were systematically searched for relevant studies published until June 2023. Inclusion criteria were as follows: (1) Injury including LAS or chronic ankle instability; (2) Described any form of treatment; (3) Assessment of RTW or RTS; (4) Studies published in English; and (5) Study designs including randomized controlled clinical trials, clinical trials or cohort studies. Exclusion criteria were: (1) Studies involving children (age < 16 year); or (2) Patients with concomitant ankle injury besides lateral ankle ligament damage. A quality assessment was performed for each of the included studies using established risk of bias tools. Additionally quality of evidence was assessed using the GRADEpro tool in cases where outcomes were included in the quantitative analysis. A best evidence synthesis was performed in cases of qualitative outcome analysis. For all studied outcomes suitable for quantitative analysis a forest plot was created to calculate the effect on RTW and RTS.
RESULTS A total of 8904 patients were included in 21 studies, 10 randomized controlled trials, 7 retrospective cohort studies and 4 prospective cohort studies. Fifteen studies were eligible for meta-analysis. The overall RTS rate ranged were 80% and 83% in the all treatments pool and surgical treatments pool, respectively. The pooled mean days to RTS ranged from 23-93 d. The overall RTW rate was 89%. The pooled mean time to RTW ranged from 5.8-8.1 d. For patients with chronic ankle instability, higher preoperative motivation was the sole factor significantly and independently (P = 0.001) associated with the rate of and time to RTS following ligament repair or reconstruction. Higher body mass index was identified as a significant factor (P = 0.04) linked to not resuming sports or returning at a lower level (median 24, range 20-37), compared to those who resumed at the same or higher level (median 23, range 17-38). Patients with a history of psychological illness or brain injury, experienced a delay in their rehabilitation process for sprains with fractures and unspecified sprains. The extent of the delayed rehabilitation was directly proportional to the increased likelihood of experiencing a recurrence of the ankle sprain and the number of ankle-related medical visits. We also observed that 10% of athletes who did return to sport after lateral ankle sprain without fractures described non-ankle-related reasons for not returning.
CONCLUSION All treatments yielded comparable results, with each treatment potentially offering unique advantages or benefits. Preoperative motivation may influence rehabilitation after LAS. Grading which factor had a greater impact was not possible due to the lack of comparability among the included patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Priscilla A Maria
- Department of Orthopaedic Surgery and Sports Medicine, Amsterdam UMC-Location AMC, Amsterdam 1105 AZ, Netherlands
- Amsterdam Movement Sciences, Amsterdam UMC, Amsterdam 1105 AZ, Netherlands
- Amsterdam Collaboration on Health and Safety in Sports, Amsterdam UMC, Amsterdam 1105 AZ, Netherlands
- Academic Center for Evidence-based Sports medicine, Amsterdam UMC, Amsterdam 1105 AZ, Netherlands
- Faculty of Medicine, University of Amsterdam, Amsterdam 1105 AZ, Netherlands
| | - Gwendolyn Vuurberg
- Department of Orthopaedic Surgery and Sports Medicine, Amsterdam UMC-Location AMC, Amsterdam 1105 AZ, Netherlands
- Amsterdam Movement Sciences, Amsterdam UMC, Amsterdam 1105 AZ, Netherlands
- Academic Center for Evidence-based Sports medicine, Amsterdam UMC, Amsterdam 1105 AZ, Netherlands
- Department of Radiology and Nuclear Medicine, Rijnstate Arnhem, Arnhem 6815AD, Netherlands
- Department of Radiology and Nuclear Medicine, Amsterdam UMC, Amsterdam 1105 AZ, Netherlands
| | - Gino MMJ Kerkhoffs
- Department of Orthopaedic Surgery and Sports Medicine, Amsterdam UMC-Location AMC, Amsterdam 1105 AZ, Netherlands
- Amsterdam Movement Sciences, Amsterdam UMC, Amsterdam 1105 AZ, Netherlands
- Amsterdam Collaboration on Health and Safety in Sports, Amsterdam UMC, Amsterdam 1105 AZ, Netherlands
- Academic Center for Evidence-based Sports medicine, Amsterdam UMC, Amsterdam 1105 AZ, Netherlands
- Faculty of Medicine, University of Amsterdam, Amsterdam, 1105 AZ, Netherlands
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Noda Y, Horibe S, Hiramatsu K, Takao R, Fujita K. Single-Leg Loading Test to Predict Time to Jog and Return to Sports after Acute Lateral Ankle Sprain in Competitive Athletes. Kurume Med J 2023; 69:81-87. [PMID: 37793891 DOI: 10.2739/kurumemedj.ms69120014] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/06/2023]
Abstract
In a previous study, the utility of a single-leg loading (SLL) test after acute lateral ankle sprain (LAS) was reported. However, whether the severity level assessed by the SLL test is associated with the time to jog and return to sports (RTS) remains unclear. Therefore, this study aimed to examine whether the time to jog and RTS differ depending on the severity level. A total of 240 athletes after sustaining acute LAS were included in this study. The SLL test was performed at the first visit, and the patients were classified into four levels (Levels 1-4). The Steel-Dwass multiple comparison method and multiple regression analysis was performed to verify whether the SLL test can predict the time to jog and RTS. On examining the relationship between the severity levels assessed by the SLL test and time to jog and RTS, significant differences were found among almost all the severity levels. Moreover, the multiple regression analysis revealed that only the SLL test showed a significant correlation with both the time to jog and RTS. This study suggested that the time to jog and RTS can be predicted by conducting the SLL test for acute LAS and dividing the severity into four levels.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yuki Noda
- Department of Rehabilitation, Naragakuen University
| | | | | | - Rikio Takao
- Graduate School of Human Life and Ecology, Osaka Metropolitan University
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Gaddi D, Mosca A, Piatti M, Munegato D, Catalano M, Di Lorenzo G, Turati M, Zanchi N, Piscitelli D, Chui K, Zatti G, Bigoni M. Acute Ankle Sprain Management: An Umbrella Review of Systematic Reviews. Front Med (Lausanne) 2022; 9:868474. [PMID: 35872766 PMCID: PMC9301067 DOI: 10.3389/fmed.2022.868474] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/02/2022] [Accepted: 05/27/2022] [Indexed: 12/26/2022] Open
Abstract
Even though ankle sprains are among the most frequent musculoskeletal injuries seen in emergency departments, management of these injuries continues to lack standardization. Our objective was to carry out an umbrella review of systematic reviews to collect the most effective evidence-based treatments and to point out the state-of-the-art management for this injury. PubMed, Scopus, Web of Science, and the Cochrane library were searched from January 2000 to September 2020. After removing duplicates and applying the eligibility criteria, based on titles and abstracts, 32 studies were screened. At the end of the process, 24 articles were included in this umbrella review with a mean score of 7.7/11 on the AMSTAR quality assessment tool. We found evidence supporting the effectiveness of non-surgical treatment in managing acute ankle sprain; moreover, functional treatment seems to be preferable to immobilization. We also found evidence supporting the use of paracetamol or opioids as effective alternatives to non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs to reduce pain. Furthermore, we found evidence supporting the effectiveness of manipulative and supervised exercise therapy to prevent re-injury and restore ankle dorsiflexion.
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Affiliation(s)
- Diego Gaddi
- Orthopedic Department, San Gerardo Hospital, University of Milano-Bicocca, Monza, Italy
| | - Angelo Mosca
- Department of Medicine and Surgery, University of Milano-Bicocca, Monza, Italy
| | - Massimiliano Piatti
- Orthopedic Department, San Gerardo Hospital, University of Milano-Bicocca, Monza, Italy
| | - Daniele Munegato
- Orthopedic Department, San Gerardo Hospital, University of Milano-Bicocca, Monza, Italy
| | - Marcello Catalano
- Department of Medicine and Surgery, University of Milano-Bicocca, Monza, Italy
| | - Giorgia Di Lorenzo
- Department of Medicine and Surgery, University of Milano-Bicocca, Monza, Italy
| | - Marco Turati
- Orthopedic Department, San Gerardo Hospital, University of Milano-Bicocca, Monza, Italy
- Department of Medicine and Surgery, University of Milano-Bicocca, Monza, Italy
- Department of Paediatric Orthopedic Surgery, University Hospital Grenoble-Alpes, University Grenoble-Alpes, Grenoble, France
- Transalpine Center of Pediatric Sports Medicine and Surgery, University of Milano-Bicocca, Monza, Italy
- Hospital Couple Enfant, Grenoble, France
- *Correspondence: Marco Turati
| | - Nicolò Zanchi
- Orthopedic Department, San Gerardo Hospital, University of Milano-Bicocca, Monza, Italy
| | - Daniele Piscitelli
- Department of Medicine and Surgery, University of Milano-Bicocca, Monza, Italy
- School of Physical and Occupational Therapy, McGill University, Montréal, QC, Canada
- Department of Kinesiology, University of Connecticut, Storrs, CT, United States
| | - Kevin Chui
- Department of Physical Therapy, Waldron College of Health and Human Services, Radford University, Roanoke, VA, United States
| | - Giovanni Zatti
- Orthopedic Department, San Gerardo Hospital, University of Milano-Bicocca, Monza, Italy
- Department of Medicine and Surgery, University of Milano-Bicocca, Monza, Italy
- Transalpine Center of Pediatric Sports Medicine and Surgery, University of Milano-Bicocca, Monza, Italy
- Hospital Couple Enfant, Grenoble, France
| | - Marco Bigoni
- Orthopedic Department, San Gerardo Hospital, University of Milano-Bicocca, Monza, Italy
- Department of Medicine and Surgery, University of Milano-Bicocca, Monza, Italy
- Transalpine Center of Pediatric Sports Medicine and Surgery, University of Milano-Bicocca, Monza, Italy
- Hospital Couple Enfant, Grenoble, France
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Chu T. THE INFLUENCE OF SPORTS ON HEALTH SCIENCE AND ITS FACTORS. REV BRAS MED ESPORTE 2021. [DOI: 10.1590/1517-8692202127032021_0074] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/22/2022] Open
Abstract
ABSTRACT Introduction Outdoor sports can help people develop good living habits and improve people’s physical fitness. For this reason, it is very important to cultivate sports hobbies and analyze the factors of healthy sports. Objective To understand the factors that affect the healthy sports behavior of college students, we provide a reference for the relevant departments of the school and physical education teachers. Methods The thesis uses literature data method, questionnaire survey method and mathematical statistics method to analyze sports influencing factors with college students as the research object. Results The physical education method and the completeness of the facilities will affect the students’ interest in sports. Students from different family backgrounds have very different preferences for healthy sports. Conclusions The school environment and sports atmosphere are the main factors that constitute the school sports environment. College students’ cognition and understanding of healthy sports will affect their own sports situation. Level of evidence II; Therapeutic studies - investigation of treatment results.
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The current clinical practice of general orthopaedic surgeons in the treatment of lateral ankle sprain: a questionnaire survey in Miyazaki, Japan. BMC Musculoskelet Disord 2021; 22:636. [PMID: 34303350 PMCID: PMC8310605 DOI: 10.1186/s12891-021-04527-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/07/2021] [Accepted: 07/10/2021] [Indexed: 11/10/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Lateral ankle sprain (LAS) is one of the most common musculoskeletal injuries. Numerous studies regarding LAS have been performed. However, there are few studies evaluating the current clinical practice of orthopaedic surgeons regarding LAS. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the current clinical practice of general orthopaedic surgeons in the treatment of LAS. METHODS A questionnaire survey was conducted from September 2020 to December 2020 in Miyazaki, Japan, to evaluate the clinical practice of general orthopaedic surgeons in the treatment of LAS. The survey was composed of 12 questions that were developed with consideration of the recommendations in the current clinical practice guidelines (CPGs) published by the Dutch orthopaedic society. The questions in this study were focused on the diagnosis, conservative treatment, rehabilitation, and the criteria for return to sports (RTS). RESULTS The survey response rate was 82.7% (129/156). Among the respondents, 95.3% did not consider the Ottawa Ankle Rules in the decision to perform plain radiography for patients. Rehabilitation following LAS was performed in 58.9% of patients. Eighty-five (65.9%) of the surgeons used only one factor as the criterion for RTS. The absence of pain was the most frequently used criterion (45.7%). No objective criteria were used for the RTS decision in athletes with LAS. CONCLUSIONS The present study suggested that most general orthopaedic surgeons do not provide the care for patients with LAS recommended by the current CPGs. No objective criteria for the RTS decision are used for athletes with LAS.
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Lack of Consensus on Return-to-Sport Criteria Following Lateral Ankle Sprain: A Systematic Review of Expert Opinions. J Sport Rehabil 2021; 29:231-237. [PMID: 31141438 DOI: 10.1123/jsr.2019-0038] [Citation(s) in RCA: 29] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/27/2019] [Revised: 04/01/2019] [Accepted: 05/12/2019] [Indexed: 11/18/2022]
Abstract
CONTEXT Lateral ankle sprains (LAS) have one of the highest recurrence rates of all musculoskeletal injuries. An emphasis on rapid return to sport (RTS) following LAS likely increases reinjury risk. Unfortunately, no set of objective RTS criteria exist for LAS, forcing practitioners to rely on their own opinion of when a patient is ready to RTS. PURPOSE To determine if there was consensus among published expert opinions that could help inform an initial set of RTS criteria for LAS that could be investigated in future research. EVIDENCE ACQUISITION PubMed, CINHL, and SPORTDiscus databases were searched from inception until October 2018 using a combination of keywords. Studies were included if they listed specific RTS criteria for LAS. No assessment of methodological quality was conducted because all included papers were expert opinion papers (level 5 evidence). Extracted data included the recommended domains (eg, range of motion, balance, sport-specific movement, etc) to be assessed, specific assessments for each listed domain, and thresholds (eg, 80% of the uninjured limb) to be used to determine RTS. Consensus and partial agreement were defined, a priori, as ≥75% and 50% to 75% agreement, respectively. EVIDENCE SYNTHESIS Eight domains were identified within 11 included studies. Consensus was reached regarding the need to assess sport-specific movement (n = 9, 90.9%). Partial agreement was reached for the need to assess static balance (n = 7, 63.6%). The domains of pain and swelling, patient reported outcomes, range of motion, and strength were also partially agreed on (n = 6, 54.5%). No agreement was reached on specific assessments of cutoff thresholds. CONCLUSIONS Given consensus and partial agreement results, RTS decisions following LAS should be based on sport-specific movement, static balance, patient reported outcomes, range of motion, and strength. Future research needs to determine assessments and cutoff thresholds within these domains to minimize recurrent LAS risk.
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Ankle Stability and Movement Coordination Impairments: Lateral Ankle Ligament Sprains Revision 2021. J Orthop Sports Phys Ther 2021; 51:CPG1-CPG80. [PMID: 33789434 DOI: 10.2519/jospt.2021.0302] [Citation(s) in RCA: 55] [Impact Index Per Article: 18.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
This revised clinical practice guideline (CPG) addresses the distinct but related lower extremity impairments of those with a first-time lateral ankle sprain (LAS) and those with chronic ankle instability (CAI). Depending on many factors, impairments may continue following injury. While most individuals experience resolution of symptoms, complaints of instability may continue and are defined as CAI. The aims of the revision were to provide a concise summary of the contemporary evidence since publication of the original guideline and to develop new recommendations or revise previously published recommendations to support evidence-based practice. J Orthop Sports Phys Ther 2021;51(4):CPG1-CPG80. doi:10.2519/jospt.2021.0302.
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Nunes GS, Feldkircher JM, Tessarin BM, Bender PU, da Luz CM, de Noronha M. Kinesio taping does not improve ankle functional or performance in people with or without ankle injuries: Systematic review and meta-analysis. Clin Rehabil 2020; 35:182-199. [PMID: 33081510 DOI: 10.1177/0269215520963846] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/26/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To investigate whether Kinesio taping technique, applied to ankles of healthy people as a preventive intervention and people with ankle injuries, is superior to sham or alternative interventions on ankle function. DATA SOURCES Medline, Embase, Amed, CINAHL, SPORTDiscus, Cochrane Library and Web of Science, from inception to August 2020. REVIEW METHODS The terms "ankle" and "kinesio taping" were used in the search strategy. Included studies were randomized controlled trials (including crossover design) investigating Kinesio taping effects on ankle functional performance compared to any alternative or control/sham technique. RESULTS From 5,572 studies, 84 met the eligibility criteria which evaluated 2,684 people. Fifty-eight meta-analyses from 44 studies were performed (participants in meta-analyses ranging from 27 to 179). Fifty-one meta-analyses reported ineffectiveness of Kinesio taping: moderate evidence for star excursion balance test (anterior direction), jump distance, dorsiflexion range of motion, and plantar flexion torque for healthy people (effect size = 0.08-0.13); low to very-low evidence for balance, jump performance, range of motion, proprioception, muscle capacity and EMG for healthy people; balance for older people; and balance and jump performance for people with chronic instability. Seven meta-analyses reported results favoring Kinesio taping (effect size[95% CI]): low to very-low evidence for balance (stabilometry, ranging from 0.42[0.07-0.77] to 0.65[0.29-1.02]) and ankle inversion (0.84[0.28-1.40]) for healthy people; balance for older people (COP velocity, 0.90[0.01-1.78]); and balance for people with chronic instability (errors, 0.55[0.06-1.04]). CONCLUSIONS Current evidence does not support or encourage the use of Kinesio taping applied to the ankle for improvements in functional performance, regardless the population.
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Affiliation(s)
- Guilherme S Nunes
- Department of Physiotherapy, Federal University of Santa Maria, Santa Maria - RS, Brazil.,Sport and Exercise Medicine Research Centre, School of Allied Health, La Trobe University, Melbourne, Australia
| | - Jonatan M Feldkircher
- Department of Physiotherapy, Santa Catarina State University, Florianópolis - SC, Brazil
| | | | - Paula Urio Bender
- Department of Physiotherapy, Santa Catarina State University, Florianópolis - SC, Brazil
| | | | - Marcos de Noronha
- Rural Department of Allied Health, La Trobe University, Bendigo, Victoria, Australia
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Conservative Treatment for Acute Ankle Sprain: A Systematic Review. J Clin Med 2020; 9:jcm9103128. [PMID: 32992655 PMCID: PMC7599579 DOI: 10.3390/jcm9103128] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/31/2020] [Revised: 09/14/2020] [Accepted: 09/25/2020] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
The aim was to identify conservative treatments available for acute ankle sprain and to evaluate their effectiveness with respect to pain relief and short-term recovery of functional capacity. A systematic review of the relevant literature was conducted via a data search of the PROSPERO, PubMed, Scopus, CINAHL, PyscINFO and SPORTDiscus databases, from inception until December 2019, focusing on randomised control trial studies. Two of the authors independently assessed the quality of each study located and extracted the relevant data. The quality of each paper was assessed using the Cochrane risk of bias tool included in RevMan 5. In all, 20 studies met the inclusion criteria. In terms of absence of bias, only nine papers were classed as “high quality”. Studies (75%) were of low quality in terms of the blinding of participants and personnel and uncertainty in blinding of outcome assessment and all presented one or more other forms of bias. Despite the generally low quality of the studies considered, it can be concluded that conservative treatment for acute ankle sprain normally achieves pain relief and rapidly improved functionality. Research based on higher-quality study designs and procedures would enable more definitive conclusions to be drawn.
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