Bracing superior to neuromuscular training for the prevention of self-reported recurrent ankle sprains: a three-arm randomised controlled trial

Orthotic Devices for the Foot and Ankle

Millions of Americans wear ankle-foot orthotic devices for protection, pain relief, and deformity correction. Inquiries about off-the-shelf and custom devices are a common reason for evaluation with a foot and ankle surgeon or general orthopaedic surgeon. Despite limited high-quality evidence for their use, these devices can have a notable clinical impact on physical function. An up-to-date understanding of orthotic device options and their appropriate use in managing musculoskeletal pathologies applies to all orthopaedic providers. This review aims to categorize orthosis types and provide specific device recommendations for common adult conditions such as flatfoot, cavovarus foot, and ankle instability. Collaboration with a certified orthotist can help patients achieve functional and recreational goals with the use of appropriately designed and applied orthoses.

Chronic Ankle Joint Instability Induces Ankle Sensorimotor Dysfunction: A Controlled Laboratory Study

BACKGROUND

Chronic ankle instability (CAI) is a clinical sequela that causes the recurrence of ankle sprain by inducing ankle sensorimotor dysfunction. Animal models of CAI have recently shown that ankle ligament injuries mimicking an ankle sprain result in chronic loss of ankle sensorimotor function. However, the underlying mechanisms determining the pathogenesis of CAI remain unclear.

HYPOTHESIS

Ankle instability after an ankle sprain leads to the degeneration of the mechanoreceptors, resulting in ankle sensorimotor dysfunction and the development of CAI.

STUDY DESIGN

Controlled laboratory study.

METHODS

Four-week-old male Wistar rats (N = 30) were divided into 2 groups: (1) the ankle joint instability (AJI) group with ankle instability induced by transecting the calcaneofibular ligament (n = 15) and (2) the sham group (n = 15). Ankle instability was assessed using the anterior drawer test and the talar tilt test at 4, 6, and 8 weeks after the operation (n = 5, for each group at each time point), and ankle sensorimotor function was assessed using behavioral tests, including ladder walking and balance beam tests, every 2 weeks during the postoperative period. Morphology and number of mechanoreceptors in the intact anterior talofibular ligament (ATFL) were histologically analyzed by immunofluorescence staining targeting the neurofilament medium chain and S100 proteins at 4, 6, and 8 weeks postoperatively (n = 5 per group). Sensory neurons that form mechanoreceptors were histologically analyzed using immunofluorescence staining targeting the mechanosensitive ion channel PIEZO2 at 8 weeks postoperatively (n = 5).

RESULTS

Ankle sensorimotor function decreased over time in the AJI group, exhibiting decreased ankle instability compared with the sham group (P = .045). The number of mechanoreceptors in the ATFL was reduced (P < .001) and PIEZO2 expression in the sensory neurons decreased (P = .008) at 8 weeks postoperatively. The number of mechanoreceptors was negatively correlated with ankle sensorimotor dysfunction (P < .001).

CONCLUSION

The AJI model demonstrated degeneration of the mechanoreceptors in the ATFL and decreased mechanosensitivity of the sensory neurons, which may contribute to CAI.

CLINICAL RELEVANCE

Ankle instability causes degeneration of mechanoreceptors and decreases the mechanosensitivity of sensory neurons involved in the development of CAI. This finding emphasizes the importance of controlling ankle instability after ankle sprains to prevent recurrence and the onset of CAI.

Is ankle taping effective to limit the ankle dorsiflexion in a single-training session? An observational study in semi-professional basketball players

BACKGROUND

Ankle taping (AT) is effective in preventing ankle sprain injuries in most common sports and is employed in rehabilitation and prevention sports.

OBJECTIVE

This study aimed to investigate the effectiveness of AT to restricting excessive frontal plane ankle movements in semi-professional basketball players throughout the training session.

DESIGN AND SETTING

A cross-sectional study was performed at the Universidad Europea de Madrid.

METHODS

Forty male and female semi-professional basketball players were divided into two groups. The ankle dorsiflexion range of motion (ROM) and interlimb asymmetries in a weight-bearing lunge position were evaluated at four time points: 1) with no tape, 2) before practice, at 30 min of practice, and 3) immediately after practice.

RESULTS

In male basketball players, no differences were observed in the right and left ankles between the baseline and 30 min and between baseline and 90 min of assessment. In female athletes, significant differences were reported between baseline and pre-training assessments for the right ankle and also significant differences between baseline and 90 min in both ankles.

CONCLUSIONS

Ankle taping effectively decreased the ankle dorsiflexion ROM in male and female basketball players immediately after application. However, ROM restriction was very low after 30 and 90 min, as assessed in a single basketball practice. Therefore, the classic taping method should be revised to develop new prophylactic approaches, such as the implementation of semi-rigid bracing techniques or the addition of active stripes during training or game pauses.

Preventive interventions for lateral ankle sprains: A systematic review and meta-analysis

OBJECTIVE

To evaluate the effect of preventive interventions for lateral ankle sprain in the general population.

DATA SOURCES

A search of PubMed, EMBASE, Cochrane CENTRAL, Medline, CINAHL, and ClinicalTrials.gov was conducted up to August 2022.

REVIEW METHODS

Randomized controlled trials and prospective cohort studies that evaluated any interventions for preventing lateral ankle sprain were included. Two reviewers independently conducted the search, screening, and data extraction. The methodological quality of each study was assessed using the revised Cochrane risk-of-bias tool for randomized trials or using the Cochrane Risk Of Bias In Non-Randomized Studies tool for prospective cohort studies.

RESULTS

Seventeen studies met the inclusion criteria. Proprioceptive training exhibited better effects on preventing future lateral ankle sprain compared with the control group (risk ratio = 0.59, p < 0.001), and a stronger preventive effect was observed in participants with a history of lateral ankle sprain in the subgroup analysis (risk ratio = 0.49, p = 0.02). Compared with no bracing, ankle bracing had no significant better effect in preventing lateral ankle sprain (risk ratio = 0.43, p = 0.05). Proprioceptive training and ankle bracing had similar preventive effects (risk ratio = 0.98, p = 0.97). Limited evidence hindered the synthesis of data on pain, swelling, costs, and time loss.

CONCLUSION

Proprioceptive training is recommended for preventing lateral ankle sprain, especially for people with a history of lateral ankle sprain. Bracing seems to have an ambiguous preventive effect and requires more further investigation.

Rehabilitation strategies for lateral ankle sprain do not reflect established mechanisms of re-injury: A systematic review

OBJECTIVES

1) determine the primary impairment addressed by each exercise included in exercise-based rehabilitation programs for patients with an acute ankle sprain; 2) Determine whether prescribed exercises incorporate complex tasks associated with ankle sprain injury mechanisms?

METHODS

We searched databases CINAHL, Web of Science, SPORTDiscus, Cochrane Register of Controlled Trials, PEDro, Google Scholar for RCT's including patients with acute ankle sprains, managed through exercise-based rehabilitation. Risk of bias was assessed by the Risk of Bias 2 tool. Exercises were analysed based on: the primary impairment(s) addressed; direction of movement; base of support; weightbearing status; flight phase. (PROSPERO: CRD42020210858) RESULTS: We included fourteen RCT's comprising 177 exercises. Neuromuscular function was addressed in 44% of exercises, followed by performance tasks (23%), and muscle strengthening (20%). Exercises were limited to movements across the sagittal plane (48%), with 31% incorporating multiplanar movements. Weight bearing exercises were almost divided equally between single-limb (59/122) and double leg stance exercises (61/122). Eighteen percent of all exercises incorporated a flight phase.

CONCLUSIONS

Rehabilitation after LAS comprises simple exercises in the sagittal plane that do not reflect mechanisms of re-injury. Future interventions should incorporate more open chain joint position sense training, multiplanar single limb challenges, and jumping and landing exercises.

Ankle instability as a prognostic factor associated with the recurrence of ankle sprain: A systematic review

DESIGN

Systematic review using PRISMA guidelines.

PURPOSE

To explore Relationship between ankle instability and ankle sprain recurrence in preventing recurrence of ankle sprains and to provide appropriate treatment.

METHODS

MEDLINE (the Cochrane Library) and the Physiotherapy Evidence Database (PEDro) were explored using key words related to ankle instability and ankle sprains in for April 2022. According to the inclusion criteria, studies that 1) targeted patients with ankle sprains, 2) assessed ankle instability, and 3) investigated ankle sprain recurrence rates, were extracted. The author names, publication year, patient characteristics, comparison groups, intervention methods, and outcome data (ankle instability and recurrence) were extracted. A correlation analysis between recurrence rate and ankle instability was conducted. In addition, A meta-analysis was performed on the correlation coefficients within each article.

RESULTS

Eight studies were extracted from 149 studies. A correlation analysis was conducted on five studies and meta-analysis was on three studies with the same post-intervention follow-up period and the same assessment methods for ankle instability and recurrence rate. Strong positive correlations were found for the same follow-up periods (r = 0.95: 95%CI [0.62-0.99]; 3-month, r = 0.97: 95%CI [0.75-0.10]; 1 year, p < .05). The correlation became stronger as the follow-up period increased. Furthermore, the meta-analysis showed that ankle instability as well as the main symptoms of sprain, such as pain and swelling, tended to be positively correlated with the recurrent rate of ankle sprains. These results suggest that ankle instability is strongly related to recurrence, and the longer the time since onset, the stronger the relationship.

CONCLUSIONS

Ankle instability was a prognostic factor associated with recurrence of ankle sprains in patients with ankle sprains. Therefore, ankle instability is one of important factor in preventing recurrence of ankle sprains.

Acute Ankle Sprains

Understanding the types of ankle sprains is essential in determining the most appropriate treatment and preventing substantial missed time from sports. Commonly known and recognized is an acute lateral ankle sprain, however, a differentiation should also be made to understand high (syndesmotic) ankle sprains as the mechanism of injury and recovery periods differ between these two types.

A protocol for a randomized clinical trial assessing the efficacy of hypertonic dextrose injection (prolotherapy) in chronic ankle instability

BACKGROUND

Lateral ankle sprain (LAS) is a common injury. Conservative care is not uniformly effective. Chronic ankle instability (CAI) results in up to 70% of patients with LAS in the physically active population. LAS, together with subsequent osteochondral lesions and pain in many patients, leads to the development of post-traumatic osteoarthritis, resulting in a substantial direct and indirect personal and societal health burden. Dextrose prolotherapy (DPT) is an injection-based therapy for many chronic musculoskeletal conditions but has not been tested for CAI. This protocol describes a randomized controlled trial to test the efficacy of DPT versus normal saline (NS) injections for chronic ankle instability (CAI).

METHODS AND ANALYSIS

A single-center, parallel-group, randomized controlled trial will be conducted at a university-based primary care clinic in Hong Kong. A total of 114 patients with CAI will be randomly allocated (1:1) to DPT and NS groups. The primary outcome will be the Cumberland Ankle Instability Tool scores at 1 year. The secondary outcomes will be the number of re-sprains in 1 year, the Star Excursion Balance Test, the 5-level of EuroQol 5-dimension questionnaire, and the Foot and Ankle Ability Measure. All outcomes will be evaluated at baseline and at 16, 26, and 52 weeks using a linear mixed model.

DISCUSSION

We hypothesized the DPT is a safe, easily accessible, and effective treatment for patients with CAI. This RCT study will inform whether DPT could be a primary non-surgical treatment for CAI.

TRIAL REGISTRATION

Chinese Clinical Trial Registry ChiCTR2000040213 . Registered on 25 November 2020.

Concussion increases within-player injury risk in male professional rugby union

OBJECTIVES

To assess within-player change in injury risk and between-player subsequent injury risk associated with concussive and common non-concussive injuries in professional rugby union.

METHODS

This prospective cohort study in Welsh professional male rugby union analysed within-player and between-player injury risk for five common injuries: concussion, thigh haematoma, hamstring muscle strain, lateral ankle sprain and acromioclavicular joint sprain. Survival models quantified within-player injury risk by comparing precommon (before) injury risk to postcommon (after) injury risk, whereas between-player subsequent injury risk was quantified by comparing players who had sustained one of the common injuries against those who had not sustained the common injury. HRs and 95% CIs were calculated. Specific body area and tissue type were also determined for new injuries.

RESULTS

Concussion increased the within-player overall injury risk (HR 1.26 (95% CI 1.11 to 1.42)), elevating head/neck (HR 1.47 (95% CI 1.18 to 1.83)), pelvic region (HR 2.32 (95% CI 1.18 to 4.54)) and neurological (HR 1.38 (95% CI 1.08 to 1.76)) injury risk. Lateral ankle sprains decreased within-player injury risk (HR 0.77 (95% CI 0.62 to 0.97)), reducing head/neck (HR 0.60 (95% CI 0.39 to 0.91)), upper leg and knee (HR 0.56 (95% CI 0.39 to 0.81)), joint and ligament (HR 0.72 (95% CI 0.52 to 0.99)) and neurological (HR 0.55 (95% CI 0.34 to 0.91)) injury risk. Concussion (HR 1.24 (95% CI 1.10 to 1.40)), thigh haematomas (HR 1.18 (95% CI 1.04 to 1.34)) and hamstring muscle strains (HR 1.14 (95% CI 1.01 to 1.29)) increased between-player subsequent injury risk.

CONCLUSION

Elevated within-player injury risk was only evident following concussive injuries, while lateral ankle sprains reduced the risk. Both concussion and ankle injuries altered head/neck and neurological injury risk, but in opposing directions. Understanding why management of ankle sprains might be effective, while current concussion management is not at reducing such risks may help inform concussion return to play protocols.

Exercise-based rehabilitation reduces reinjury following acute lateral ankle sprain: A systematic review update with meta-analysis

Research questions

1) Do exercise-based rehabilitation programs reduce re-injury following acute ankle sprain?; 2) Is rehabilitation effectiveness moderated by the exercise’s therapeutic quality, content and volume?

Methods

This systematic review with meta-analysis (PROSPERO: CRD42020210858) included randomized controlled trials in which adults who sustained an acute ankle sprain received exercise-based rehabilitation as an intervention. Databases CINAHL, Web of Science, SPORTDiscus, Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials, PEDro and Google Scholar were searched for eligible articles (last search: March 2021). ROB II screening tool by Cochrane was used to assess risk of bias and the i-CONTENT tool was used to assess quality of interventions. Both qualitative analysis and quantitative data synthesis were performed.

Results

Fourteen randomized controlled trials comprising 2182 participants were included. Five studies were judged overall low risk of bias and i-CONTENT assessment showed poor to moderate therapeutic quality of exercise across all included articles. Pooled data found significant reductions in re-injury prevalence at 12 months, in favour of the exercise-based rehabilitation group vs usual care (OR: 0.60; 95%CI: 0.36 to 0.99). Pooled data for re-injury incidence showed not-significant results (MD: 0.027; 95%CI: -2.14 to 2.19). Meta-regression displayed no statistically significant association between training volume and odds of re-injury (r = -0.00086; SD: 0.00057; 95%CI: -0.00197 to 0.00025). Results from patient-reported outcomes and clinical outcomes were inconclusive at 1 month, 3–6 months and 7–12 months of follow up.

Conclusion

Exercise-based rehabilitation reduces the risk of recurrent ankle sprain compared to usual care, but there is insufficient data to determine the optimal content of exercise-based interventions. Training volume varied considerably across studies but did not affect the odds of sustaining a re-injury. Effects on patient-reported outcomes and clinical outcomes are equivocal. Future research should compare different exercise contents, training volumes and intensities after ankle sprain.

Gait Biomechanics Following Taping and Bracing in Patients With Chronic Ankle Instability: A Critically Appraised Topic

Clinical Scenario: Approximately 30% of all first-time patients with LAS develop chronic ankle instability (CAI). CAI-associated impairments are thought to contribute to aberrant gait biomechanics, which increase the risk of subsequent ankle sprains and the development of posttraumatic osteoarthritis. Alternative modalities should be considered to improve gait biomechanics as impairment-based rehabilitation does not impact gait. Taping and bracing have been shown to reduce the risk of recurrent ankle sprains; however, their effects on CAI-associated gait biomechanics remain unknown. Clinical Question: Do ankle taping and bracing modify gait biomechanics in those with CAI? Summary of Key Findings: Three case-control studies assessed taping and bracing applications including kinesiotape, athletic tape, a flexible brace, and a semirigid brace. Kinesiotape decreased excessive inversion in early stance, whereas athletic taping decreased excessive inversion and plantar flexion in the swing phase and limited tibial external rotation in terminal stance. The flexible and semirigid brace increased dorsiflexion range of motion, and the semirigid brace limited plantar flexion range of motion at toe-off. Clinical Bottom Line: Taping and bracing acutely alter gait biomechanics in those with CAI. Strength of Recommendation: There is limited quality evidence (grade B) that taping and bracing can immediately alter gait biomechanics in patients with CAI.

Incidence and risk factors for poor ankle functional recovery, and the development and progression of posttraumatic ankle osteoarthritis after significant ankle ligament injury (SALI): the SALI cohort study protocol

Background

Ankle sprains are one of the most common musculoskeletal injuries, accounting for up to 5% of all Emergency Department visits in the United Kingdom. Ankle injury may be associated with future ankle osteoarthritis. Up to 70% of ankle osteoarthritis cases may be associated with previous ankle injury. There is limited research regarding the association between ankle sprain and ankle osteoarthritis development. The current study aims to phenotype those who suffer significant ankle ligament injuries, identify potential risk factors for ankle injuries and subsequent poor recovery, examine why individuals may develop osteoarthritis, and what factors influence this chance.

Methods

In this multicentre cohort study participants were recruited from nine Emergency Departments and two Urgent Care Centres in the United Kingdom. Participants (aged 18–70 years old) were defined as those who had suffered an isolated acute ankle sprain, which was Ottawa Ankle Rules positive, but negative for a significant ankle fracture on x-ray. Age and sex matched controls were also recruited. The controls were individuals who had not suffered a significant ankle injury, including ankle pain, function affected for more than 7 days, or the ankle caused them to report to an Emergency Department. Data is collected through a series of seven questionnaires (at baseline, 3 months, 1 year, 3 years, 5 years, 10 years, and 15 years later). The questionnaires include four sections (demographic questions; index injury, and injury history questions; functional assessment questions; and quality of life questions) and are designed to collect detailed information about the individual, their injury, potential risk factors for ankle sprains and ankle osteoarthritis, plus their medical history and any medication consumed.

Discussion

The Significant Ankle Ligament Injury (SALI) study aims to add to the limited knowledge regarding which factors can predict ankle sprains, complaints, and osteoarthritis. This is important because despite ankle sprains being regarded as a benign injury that resolves quickly, residual symptoms are not uncommon months and years after the injury.

Supplementary Information

The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1186/s12891-021-04230-8.

Comparison of the Effect of Resistance and Balance Training on Isokinetic Eversion Strength, Dynamic Balance, Hop Test, and Ankle Score in Ankle Sprain

Ankle sprain is a commonly recurring sports injury. This study aimed to compare the rehabilitation effects of resistance and balance training programs in patients with recurrent ankle sprain. Patients with recurrent lateral ankle sprain completed a home-based rehabilitation program comprising resistance training (RT; n = 27) or balance training (BT; n = 27). RT consisted of exercises using elastic tube bands, and BT consisted mainly of exercises performed using a variety of balance tools. Exercises were performed for 6 weeks, twice a day for 20 min, 5 days per week. Isokinetic eversion strength, Y-Balance test and hop tests, and foot and ankle outcome score (FAOS) were evaluated. Both RT and BT significantly improved strength and dynamic balance (p < 0.05). Compared to RT, BT also significantly improved the outcome of the crossover hop test (p = 0.008). The changes reflected group and time in pain (p = 0.022), sports (p = 0.027), and quality of life (p = 0.033) of FAOS were significantly greater in BT than RT.

People with chronic ankle instability benefit from brace application in highly dynamic change of direction movements

Background

The application of ankle braces is an effective method for the prevention of recurrent ankle sprains. It has been proposed that the reduction of injury rates is based on the mechanical stiffness of the brace and on beneficial effects on proprioception and neuromuscular activation. Yet, how the neuromuscular system responds to the application of various types of ankle braces during highly dynamic injury-relevant movements is not well understood. Enhanced stability of the ankle joint seems especially important for people with chronic ankle instability. We therefore aimed to analyse the effects of a soft and a semi-rigid ankle brace on the execution of highly dynamic 180° turning movements in participants with and without chronic ankle instability.

Methods

Fifteen participants with functional ankle instability, 15 participants with functional and mechanical ankle instability and 15 healthy controls performed 180° turning movements in reaction to light signals in a cross-sectional descriptive laboratory study. Ankle joint kinematics and kinetics as well as neuromuscular activation of muscles surrounding the ankle joint were determined. Two-way repeated measures analyses of variance and post-hoc t-tests were calculated.

Results

Maximum ankle inversion angles and velocities were significantly reduced with the semi-rigid brace in comparison to the conditions without a brace and with the soft brace (p ≤ 0.006, d ≥ 0.303). Effect sizes of these reductions were larger in participants with chronic ankle instability than in healthy controls. Furthermore, peroneal activation levels decreased significantly with the semi-rigid brace in the 100 ms before and after ground contact. No statistically significant brace by group effects were found.

Conclusions

Based on these findings, we argue that people with ankle instability in particular seem to benefit from a semi-rigid ankle brace, which allows them to keep ankle inversion angles in a range that is comparable to values of healthy people. Lower ankle inversion angles and velocities with a semi-rigid brace may explain reduced injury incidences with brace application. The lack of effect of the soft brace indicates that the primary mechanism behind the reduction of inversion angles and velocities is the mechanical resistance of the brace in the frontal plane.

Response profile of fibular repositioning tape on ankle osteokinematics, arthrokinematics, perceived stability and confidence in chronic ankle instability

BACKGROUND

Preliminary evidence suggests that fibular repositioning tape reduces risk of recurrent ankle injuries, but the underlying mechanism has not been investigated.

OBJECTIVE

To investigate the effects of fibular repositioning tape on ankle osteokinematics, arthrokinematics and perceived stability and confidence in individuals with chronic ankle instability immediately post-tape and following exercise.

DESIGN

Cross-sectional repeated measures study.

METHOD

Passive ankle plantarflexion-inversion range of motion, weight-bearing dorsiflexion range of motion, anteroposterior translation, inversion-eversion tilt, and perceived ankle stability and confidence during hopping were assessed before and immediately after the application of fibular repositioning tape and after 15 min of exercise in 14 individuals with chronic ankle instability.

RESULTS

Ankle plantarflexion-inversion range of motion, inversion-eversion tilt and anteroposterior translation were reduced immediately after the application of tape compared to pre-tape (p < 0.01). After exercise, total inversion-eversion tilt was significantly lower than pre-tape (p = 0.01), but there were no differences for any of the other mechanical outcomes. Dorsiflexion range of motion did not differ between conditions (p > 0.11). Perceived ankle stability, ankle and task confidence were greater immediately post-tape and post-exercise compared to pre-tape (p < 0.01).

CONCLUSIONS

Fibular repositioning tape was associated with a restriction of ankle total inversion-eversion tilt and improved perceived ankle stability and confidence both immediately after application of tape and after participating in exercise. This data provides grounds for exploring mechanical and psychological mechanisms underpinning any clinical efficacy of fibular repositioning tape.

[Ligamentous ankle injury: an underestimated trauma?]

Ligamentous injuries of the ankle joint are among the most common injuries in sports, with landing on the opponent's foot or direct contact counting among the most common injury mechanisms. Initial measures most notably include a clinical examination, supplemented by X-rays, sonography or MRI as required. In most cases, conservative treatment is the treatment of choice. At the beginning, pain and swelling have to be reduced. Then function must be regained before patients may return to sports after a return-to-play test. Some injury patterns are more complex with concomitant injuries, and despite all the success of conservative treatment, certain cases remain the preserve of surgery. Not only the downtime of athletes, the severity of long-term damage and chronic functional limitations, but also the associated costs for treatment suggest the recommendation that ankle joint injuries should not be underestimated and adequate treatment should be selected.

Does the Spraino low-friction shoe patch prevent lateral ankle sprain injury in indoor sports? A pilot randomised controlled trial with 510 participants with previous ankle injuries

Background

Lateral ankle sprains are common in indoor sports. High shoe–surface friction is considered a risk factor for non-contact lateral ankle sprains. Spraino is a novel low-friction patch that can be attached to the outside of sports shoes to minimise friction at the lateral edge, which could mitigate the risk of such injury. We aimed to determine preliminary effectiveness (incidence rate and severity) and safety (harms) of Spraino to prevent lateral ankle sprains among indoor sport athletes.

Methods

In this exploratory, parallel-group, two-arm pilot randomised controlled trial, 510 subelite indoor sport athletes with a previous lateral ankle sprain were randomly allocated (1:1) to Spraino or ‘do-as-usual’. Allocation was concealed and the trial was outcome assessor blinded. Match and training exposure, number of injuries and associated time loss were captured weekly via text messages. Information on harms, fear-of-injury and ankle pain was also documented.

Results

480 participants completed the trial. They reported a total of 151 lateral ankle sprains, of which 96 were categorised as non-contact, and 50 as severe. All outcomes favoured Spraino with incidence rate ratios of 0.87 (95% CI 0.62 to 1.23) for all lateral ankle sprains; 0.64 (95% CI 0.42 to 0.98) for non-contact lateral ankle sprains; and 0.47 (95% CI 0.25 to 0.88) for severe lateral ankle sprains. Time loss per injury was also lower in the Spraino group (1.8 vs 2.8 weeks, p=0.014). Six participants reported minor harms because of Spraino.

Conclusion

Compared with usual care, athletes allocated to Spraino had a lower risk of lateral ankle sprains and less time loss, with only few reported minor harms.

Trial registration number

NCT03311490.

Outcome of a neuromuscular training program on recurrent ankle sprains. Does the initial type of healthcare matter?

OBJECTIVES

To study the impact of initial healthcare for a lateral ankle sprain on the outcome of neuromuscular training (NMT) on recurrent sprains and describe athlete characteristics receiving different types of healthcare.

DESIGN

Secondary analysis of three randomized trials.

METHOD

From three previous trials evaluating NMT, data on athlete characteristics, type of initial healthcare and a recurrent sprain during one-year follow-up were collected (N = 705). Multilevel logistic regression analyses were used to test the impact of initial healthcare on the outcome of NMT on recurrent sprains. Potential differences in athlete characteristics between different types of healthcare were examined using one-way analysis of variance and Pearson chi-square test.

RESULTS

After NMT, 39.7% of the athletes visiting paramedical care reported a recurrent sprain, 21.8% of secondary and 34.0% of primary care. Athletes who visited a physiotherapist reported more recurrent sprains, than those not visiting a physiotherapist (adjusted OR 3.15;95%CI 1.88-5.23). Athletes visiting paramedical (49.7%) and primary care (48.4%) used more braces and/or tape during sport than those not visiting any care (34.2%).

CONCLUSIONS

The initial type of healthcare of athletes with an ankle sprain, that consecutively received NMT, seems to impact the occurrence of recurrent sprains. Physiotherapists may be visited by athletes with a poorer prognosis, which may be explained by different athlete characteristics.

Dynamic balance and ankle injury odds: a prospective study in 196 Dutch physical education teacher education students

OBJECTIVE

The aim of this study was to investigate whether dynamic balance, measured with the anterior component of the Star Excursion Balance Test (SEBT-ANT), is a risk factor for ankle injuries in physical education teacher education (PETE) students.

DESIGN AND SETTING

A prospective monocentre study in first-year PETE students.

PARTICIPANTS

A total of 196 subjects, of which 137 men (70%) and 59 women (30%).

OUTCOME MEASURES

This study consisted of measures of the SEBT-ANT at baseline (September 2015) and an injury registration procedure during a follow-up period (September 2015-June 2016). The association between the SEBT-ANT score and subsequent ankle injury was analysed with generalised estimating equations analysis at the leg level.

RESULTS

Men and women had an average SEBT-ANT score of, respectively, 65.1% and 67.7% of leg length. In 20 (15%) subjects, the first injured body site involved the ankle. Across all participants, a below average SEBT-ANT score was not associated with increased ankle injury odds (OR OR=2.43, 95% CI: 0.94 to 6.29, p=0.07). In men, a below average SEBT-ANT score indicated sevenfold increased odds for ankle injury (OR=7.06, 95% CI: 1.43 to 34.92, p=0.02). In women, this relationship was not significant (OR=0.72, 95% CI: 0.19 to 2.71, p=0.62).

CONCLUSIONS

Below average normalised SEBT-ANT scores were associated with sevenfold likelihood for ankle injuries in men. In contrast, no relationship was found for the SEBT-ANT score and ankle injuries in woman. These results may provide directions for the implementation of screening tools, as part of an injury prevention programme, to identify male PETE students with an increased likelihood for ankle injuries.

Ankle Bracing is Effective for Primary and Secondary Prevention of Acute Ankle Injuries in Athletes: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analyses

BACKGROUND

Ankle bracing has been verified as being effective for secondary prevention of ankle injuries. However, new studies have recently been published that are not included in previous meta-analyses. Furthermore, the effects of bracing for primary prevention of ankle injuries are still unclear.

OBJECTIVE

The objective of this article was to systematically review the literature about the effectiveness of ankle bracing on primary and secondary prevention of acute ankle injuries in athletes.

METHODS

We searched PubMed, EMBASE, SPORTDiscus, CINAHL, and PEDro databases for eligible articles until July 2018. Randomized controlled trials that studied ankle bracing vs. no intervention for athletes were included. Risk of bias was assessed with the Cochrane Risk of Bias tool. Meta-analyses were conducted to study the effect of ankle bracing for primary and secondary prevention of ankle injuries. The Grading of Recommendation Assessment, Development, and Evaluation method was used to determine the quality of evidence.

RESULTS

We included six randomized controlled trials. Significant risk ratios of 0.53 (95% confidence interval 0.32-0.88) and 0.37 (95% confidence interval 0.24-0.58) were found in favor of ankle bracing vs. no ankle bracing for primary (low quality of evidence, I² = 77%) and secondary prevention (moderate quality of evidence, I² = 0%) of acute ankle injuries. Numbers needed to treat were 26 and 12 for the primary and secondary prevention of acute ankle injuries.

CONCLUSIONS

Ankle bracing is effective for primary and secondary prevention of acute ankle injuries among athletes. However, conclusions in regard to primary prevention should be drawn cautiously because of the low quality of evidence and significant heterogeneity.

Avulsion fracture of the distal fibula is associated with recurrent sprain after ankle sprain in children

PURPOSE

The purpose of this study was to clarify radiographic and clinical outcomes, as well as their association, of ankle sprain in children.

METHODS

Patients who sustained a first-time ankle sprain were prospectively surveyed. Patients underwent radiography of the ankle in the mortise, lateral, anterior talofibular ligament (ATFL), and calcaneofibular ligament views at the first clinic visit to assess avulsion fractures of the distal fibula. Patients with avulsion fractures underwent radiography after 8 weeks to assess bone union. The treatment method was not standardized and was determined by the patient, their parents, and the treating physician. Recurrent sprain and quality of life were evaluated by using the Self-Administered Foot Evaluation Questionnaire and reviewing the medical records of patients. The association between avulsion fracture and recurrent sprain was assessed using univariate and multivariate analyses.

RESULTS

A total of 143 patients with a median age of 9 (range 6-12) years were analyzed. Avulsion fractures were present in 89 (62%) patients. The sensitivity of the ATFL view for the diagnosis of avulsion fractures was 0.94, whereas that for the anteroposterior and lateral views was significantly lower at 0.46 (P < 0.001). Only 17% of fractures united at 8 weeks. Of 114 (follow-up rate, 80%) patients who were followed up for a median period of 24 months, recurrent sprain occurred in 41 (36%) patients. The incidence rate was significantly higher in patients with avulsion fractures than in patients without the fractures (44 vs. 23%, P = 0.027). In multivariate logistic regression analysis, avulsion fracture was independently associated with recurrent sprain (P = 0.027).

CONCLUSION

More than one-third of patients experienced recurrent sprain. The presence of avulsion fracture was associated with an increased risk of recurrent sprain. Patients with avulsion fracture and their parents should be informed about the risk of recurrent sprain and subsequent ankle instability, and careful follow-up is needed for these patients.

LEVEL OF EVIDENCE

III.

Lateral Ankle Sprain and Chronic Ankle Instability

A select 10-30% of patients with recurrent lateral ankle sprains develop chronic ankle instability (CAI). Patients with chronic ankle instability describe a history of the ankle “giving way” with or without pathological laxity on examination. Evaluation includes history, identification of predisposing risk factors for recurrent sprains, and the combination of clinical tests (eg, laxity tests) with imaging to establish the diagnosis. There are a variety of nonoperative strategies to address chronic ankle instability, which include rehabilitation and taping or bracing to prevent future sprains. Patients who fail conservative treatment are candidates for surgery. The anatomic approaches (eg, modified Broström) are preferred to nonanatomic procedures since they recreate the ankle’s biomechanics and natural course of the attenuated ligaments. There is a growing interest in minimally invasive procedures via ankle arthroscopy that also address the associated intra-articular disorders. This article provides a review of chronic lateral ankle instability consisting of relevant anatomy, associated disorders, evaluation, treatment methods, and complications.

A Perceptual Framework for Conservative Treatment and Rehabilitation of Ankle Sprains: An Evidence-Based Paradigm Shift

Lateral ankle sprains are the most common injuries sustained during physical activity. The epidemiologic trends associated with chronic ankle instability (CAI) suggest that current rehabilitation approaches may be inadequate. We sought to synthesize best-practices evidence for the rehabilitation of patients with acute ankle sprains and CAI through the integration of emerging paradigms in perception, the dynamics of skill acquisition, and the biopsychosocial model of function, disability, and health. From the best available evidence, 4 key factors emerged for effective treatment and rehabilitation strategies: pain reduction, external ankle support for up to 1 year, progressive return to motion, and coordination training. We combined these factors into a meta-theoretical framework that centers on the perceptual interdependence of the cellular, local, and global functioning levels by linking insights from the body-self neuromatrix, the dynamics of skill acquisition, and the biopsychosocial model. Based on the best-practice recommendations from systematic reviews, ankle-sprain rehabilitation represents a multidimensional phenomenon governed by perception. The impairments, activity limitations, and participation restrictions associated with CAI may be linked to perceptual-interdependence alterations. Pain and edema reduction, the use of external ankle support for up to 1 year, progressive return to motion, and coordination training foster enhanced perceptual interdependence from cells to society. Using the perceptual-interdependence framework for ankle-sprain rehabilitation, we offer new insights for charting the course of effective strategies for enhancing function, reducing disability, and preventing the long-term sequelae associated with CAI.

Prevention of Lateral Ankle Sprains

CONTEXT

Given the frequency of ankle sprains, especially in the athletic population, prevention is a primary task of athletic trainers and other sports health care professionals.

OBJECTIVE

To discuss the current evidence as it relates to prophylactic programs for the prevention of ankle sprains and to provide critical interpretation of the evidence supporting and refuting the implementation of preventive programs.

CONCLUSIONS

External prophylactic supports and preventive exercise programs are effective for reducing the risk of ankle sprains in both uninjured and previously injured populations. Ankle bracing appears to offer the best outcomes in terms of cost and risk reduction. However, there remains a paucity of well-designed, prospective randomized controlled trials relevant to the primary prevention of lateral ankle sprains, especially across a range of sport settings.

Current trends in sport injury prevention

Participation in sport and recreation has important positive implications for public health across the lifespan; however, the burden of sport-related musculoskeletal injury is significant, with the greatest risk being in youth and young adults. Moving upstream to primary prevention of injury is a public health priority that will have significant implications for reducing the long-term consequences of musculoskeletal injury including early post-traumatic osteoarthritis. The primary targets for the prevention of musculoskeletal injury in sport include neuromuscular training (NMT), rule modification, and equipment recommendations. Currently, there is significant high-quality evidence to support the widespread use of NMT warm up programs in team and youth sport, with an expected significant impact of reducing the risk of musculoskeletal injury by over 35%. Policy disallowing body checking in youth ice hockey has led to a >50% reduction in injuries, and rules limiting contact practice in youth American football has significant potential for injury prevention. There is evidence to support the use of bracing and taping in elite sport to reduce the risk of recurrent ankle sprain injury but not for use to prevent the primary injury, and wrist guards are protective of sprain injuries in snowboarding. Future research examining the maintenance of NMT programs across real-world sport and school settings, optimization of adherence, additional benefit of workload modification, and evaluation of rule changes in other sports is needed.

The effectiveness of proprioceptive and neuromuscular training compared to bracing in reducing the recurrence rate of ankle sprains in athletes: A systematic review and meta-analysis

BACKGROUND

Ankle sprains are common musculoskeletal injuries in which the ligaments of the ankle partially or completely tear due to sudden stretching.

OBJECTIVES

To critically appraise, evaluate and establish the best available evidence to determine the effectiveness of proprioceptive and neuromuscular training (PNT) compared to bracing in reducing the recurrence rate of ankle sprains in athletes.

METHODOLOGY

The following seven databases were searched in June 2017: PubMed, Cochrane Library, PEDro, ScienceDirect, Scopus, SPORTDiscus, EBSCO Host: CINAHL. The main search terms used were "ankle sprains", "proprioceptive training", "neuromuscular training" and "bracing". The quality of the trials were critically appraised according to the PEDro scale. The RevMan 5© software was used to pool results.

RESULTS

Three studies met the inclusion criteria and the quality according to the PEDro scale ranged from 4/10-7/10. The pooled data showed no difference between PNT and bracing in reducing the recurrence rate of ankle sprains in athletes at 12 months after initiation of the study.

CONCLUSION

This systematic review of the overall effect suggested that current evidence (Level II) does not favour the use of PNT over bracing in reducing the recurrence rate of ankle sprains. Physiotherapists are advised to use either PNT or bracing according to the patients preference and their own expertise.

Users' Perspectives, Opportunities, and Barriers of the Strengthen Your Ankle App for Evidence-Based Ankle Sprain Prevention: Mixed-Methods Process Evaluation for a Randomized Controlled Trial

Background

The “Strengthen Your Ankle” neuromuscular training program has been thoroughly studied over the past 8 years. This process evaluation is a part of a randomized controlled trial that examined both the short- and long-term effectiveness of this particular program. Although it was shown previously that the program, available both in a printed booklet and as a mobile app, is able to effectively reduce the number of recurrent ankle sprains, participants’ compliance with the program is an ongoing challenge.

Objective

This process evaluation explored participants’ opinions regarding both the methods of delivery, using RE-AIM (Reach Effectiveness Adoption Implementation Maintenance) Framework to identify barriers and challenges to program compliance. Although Reach, Effectiveness, and Adaptation were the focus of a previous study, this paper focuses on the implementation and maintenance phases.

Methods

Semistructured interviews and online questionnaires were analyzed using qualitative content analysis. Fisher exact, chi-square, and t tests assessed between-group differences in quantitative survey responses. Interviews were assessed by thematic analysis to identify key themes.

Results

While there were no significant differences in the perceived simplicity, usefulness, and liking of the exercise during the 8 weeks of the neuromuscular training program, semistructured interviews showed that 14 of 16 participants agreed that an app would be of additional benefits over a booklet. After the 12-month follow-up, when asked how they evaluated the overall use of the app or the booklet, the users of the app gave a mean score of 7.7 (SD 0.99) versus a mean score 7.1 (SD 1.23) for the users of the booklet. This difference in mean score was significant (P=.006).

Conclusions

Although both the app and booklet showed a high user satisfaction, the users of the app were significantly more satisfied. Semistructured questionnaires allowed users to address issues they would like to improve in future updates. Including a possibility for feedback and postponement of exercises, an explanation of the use of specific exercises and possibly music were identified as features that might further improve the contentment of the program, probably leading to increased compliance.

Trial Registration

Netherlands Trial Register NTR4027; http://www.trialregister.nl/trialreg/admin/rctview.asp?TC=4027 (Archived by Webcite at http://www.webcitation.org/70MTo9dMV)

Prevention of Ankle Sprain Injuries in Youth Soccer and Basketball: Effectiveness of a Neuromuscular Training Program and Examining Risk Factors

OBJECTIVES

The primary objective of this study was to examine the effectiveness of a neuromuscular training (NMT) warm-up program in reducing the risk of ankle sprain injury (ASI) in youth soccer and basketball. The secondary objective included the evaluation of risk factors for ASI.

STUDY DESIGN

Secondary analysis of pooled data from 5 studies.

PARTICIPANTS

Male and female youth (11-18 years) soccer and basketball players (n = 2265) in Alberta, Canada.

OUTCOME MEASURES

Ankle sprain injury was the primary outcome and was recorded using a validated prospective injury surveillance system consistent in all studies. The primary exposure of interest was NMT warm-up, which included aerobic, strength, agility, and balance components. Multivariable Poisson regression, controlling for clustering by team and offset for exposure hours, was used to estimate incidence rate ratios (IRRs) with 95% confidence intervals (CIs), with considerations for confounding and effect modification and evaluating all covariates as potential risk factors.

RESULTS

A total of 188 ASIs were reported in 171 players. Neuromuscular training significantly reduced the risk of ASI [IRR = 0.68 (95% CI; 0.46-0.99)]. Independent risk factors for ASI included previous ASI [IRR = 1.98 (95% CI; 1.38-2.81)] and participation in basketball versus soccer [IRR = 1.83 (95% CI; 1.18-2.85)]. Sex, age, body mass index, and previous lower extremity injury (without previous ASI) did not predict ASI (P > 0.05).

CONCLUSIONS

Exposure to an NMT program is significantly protective for ASI in youth soccer and basketball. Risk of ASI in youth basketball is greater than soccer, and players with a history of ASI are at greater risk.

THE EFFECT OF BRACING AND BALANCE TRAINING ON ANKLE SPRAIN INCIDENCE AMONG ATHLETES: A SYSTEMATIC REVIEW WITH META-ANALYSIS

Background

Ankle sprains are common musculoskeletal injuries in the athletic population that have been addressed with prevention strategies that include bracing and balance training. Many authors have examined ankle sprain incidence after bracing or balance training in athletes at different levels of competition and in various sports. No systematic review has analyzed the results of both interventions.

Purpose

The purpose of this review was to compare the effect of balance training and bracing in reducing the incidence and relative risk of ankle sprains in competitive athletes, with or without prior injury, across different sports.

Design

Systematic review, with meta-analysis.

Methods

A literature search of four databases was conducted for randomized control trials that reported ankle sprain incidence published from 2005 through 2016. Included articles studied high school, college, or professional level athletes with or without a history of a prior sprain, who received bracing or balance training as an intervention compared to a non-intervention control group. Methodological study quality was assessed by two reviewers using the PEDro scale, with scores ≥5 considered moderate quality. Group incidence and relative risk were determined to assess the preventative effect of bracing or balance training compared to control.

Results

From 1832 total citations, 71 full-text articles were reviewed, and eight articles were included in the study. Methodological quality of the available evidence contained in the systematic review was moderate. Five studied the effect of balance training, two studied the effect of bracing, and one studied the effect of bracing and balance training compared to the control condition. In all eight studies, athletes in the control condition did not receive any intervention. Athletes who wore braces had fewer ankle sprains (p=0.0037) and reduced their risk of sprains by 64% (RR=0.36) compared to controls, based on analysis of 3,581 subjects. Athletes performing balance training had fewer ankle sprains (p=0.0057) and reduced their risk by 46% (RR=0.54) compared to controls, based on analysis of 3,577 subjects.

Conclusion

The findings of the current systematic review and meta-analysis support the use of bracing and balance training to reduce the incidence and relative risk of ankle sprains in athletic populations. Clinicians can utilize this information to educate their patients on wearing a brace or performing balance training exercises to decrease the risk of an ankle sprain.

Level of evidence

Level 1a.

Y-balance test performance and BMI are associated with ankle sprain injury in collegiate male athletes

OBJECTIVES

To determine if static balance, dynamic balance, ankle range of motion, body mass index (BMI), or history of an ankle sprain were associated with ankle sprain injuries within male and female collegiate athletes.

DESIGN

Prospective cohort.

METHODS

Three hundred and eighty-four male (age=19.79±1.80 years, height=178.02±10.39cm, mass=85.71±17.59kg) and one hundred and sixty seven female (age=19.80±1.52 years, height=165.61±7.08cm, mass=66.16±10.53kg) collegiate athletes involved in a variety of sports at a NCAA Division II or NAIA institution participated. Baseline measures of the Y-Balance (YBT), modified Balance Error Scoring System (mBESS), weight-bearing lunge test (WBLT), BMI, and history of ankle sprain were recorded. Participants were followed prospectively for two years and incidence of ankle sprain injury was documented. The average of the WBLT, mBESS, and YBT measures were used for analysis. Male and female participants were analyzed separately. Mann-Whitney U tests were utilized to identify variables which may be significantly associated with ankle sprain injury for logistic regression analysis.

RESULTS

A total of 59 (38 males and 21 females) individuals sustained an ankle sprain during the follow up period. The binary logistic regression revealed BMI (Nagelkerke R²=0.069; X²=12.89; p<0.001; OR=3.85; 95% CI, 1.90-7.79; p<0.001) and anterior reach of the YBT (Nagelkerke R²=0.074; X²=13.70, p<0.001; OR=3.64; 95% CI=1.83-7.23; p=0.01) were significantly associated with ankle sprain injury in male athletes. No variables were associated with ankle sprain injury within female athletes.

CONCLUSIONS

Male collegiate athletes with greater BMI and lesser YBT anterior reach were at a greater risk of sustaining an ankle sprain injury.

The effects of ankle protectors on lower limb kinematics in male football players: a comparison to braced and unbraced ankles

Football (soccer) players have a high risk of injuring the lower extremities. To reduce the risk of ankle inversion injuries ankle braces can be worn. To reduce the risk of ankle contusion injuries ankle protectors can be utilised. However, athletes can only wear one of these devices at a time. The effects of ankle braces on stance limb kinematics has been extensively researched, however ankle protectors have had little attention. Therefore, the current study aimed to investigate the effects of ankle protectors on lower extremity kinematics during the stance phase of jogging and compare them with braced and uncovered ankles. Twelve male participants ran at 3.4 m/s in three test conditions; ankle braces (BRACE), ankle protectors (PROTECTOR) and with uncovered ankles (WITHOUT). Stance phase kinematics were collected using an eight-camera motion capture system. Kinematic data between conditions were analysed using one-way repeated measures ANOVA. The results showed that BRACE (absolute range of motion (ROM) = 10.72° and relative ROM = 10.26°) significantly (P<0.05) restricted the ankle in the coronal plane when compared to PROTECTOR (absolute ROM=13.44° and relative ROM =12.82°) and WITHOUT (absolute ROM=13.64° and relative ROM=13.10°). It was also found that both BRACE (peak dorsiflexion=17.02° and absolute ROM=38.34°) and PROTECTOR (peak dorsiflexion =18.46° and absolute ROM =40.15°) significantly (P<0.05) reduced sagittal plane motion when compared to WITHOUT (peak dorsiflexion =19.20° and absolute ROM =42.66°). Ankle protectors’ effects on lower limb kinematics closely resemble that of an unbraced ankle. Therefore, ankle protectors should only be used as a means to reduce risk of ankle contusion injuries and not implemented as a method to reduce the risk of ankle inversion injuries. Furthermore, the reductions found in sagittal plane motion of the ankle could possibly increase the bodies energy demand needed for locomotion when ankle protectors are utilised.

Mitigating the risk of musculoskeletal injury: A systematic review of the most effective injury prevention strategies for military personnel

OBJECTIVES

To update the current injury prevention strategy evidence base for making recommendations to prevent physical training-related musculoskeletal injury.

DESIGN

We conducted a systematic review to update the evidence base on injury prevention strategies for military personnel.

METHODS

Literature was systematically searched and extracted from five databases, and reported according to PRISMA guidelines. Sixty one articles meeting the inclusion criteria and published during the period 2008-2015 were selected for systematic review.

RESULTS

The retrieved articles were broadly categorised into six injury prevention strategies; (1) conditioning, (2) footwear modifications, (3) bracing, (4) physical activity volume, (5) physical fitness, and (6) leadership/supervision/awareness. The majority of retrieved articles (n=37 (of 61) evaluated or systematically reviewed a conditioning intervention of some nature. However, the most well-supported strategies were related to reducing physical activity volume and improving leadership/supervision/awareness of injuries and injury prevention efforts.

CONCLUSIONS

Several injury prevention strategies effectively reduce musculoskeletal injury rates in both sexes, and many show promise for utility with military personnel. However, further evaluation, ideally with prospective randomised trials, is required to establish the most effective injury prevention strategies, and to understand any sex-specific differences in the response to these strategies.

The preventive effect of a soccer-specific ankle brace on acute lateral ankle sprains in girls amateur soccer players: study protocol of a cluster-randomised controlled trial

BACKGROUND

Acute lateral ankle sprains are the single most often diagnosed injury in female soccer players and often result in an inability to play. This highlights the need for effective prevention strategies. Proprioceptive training and/or the use of an external support to decrease inversion of the ankle joint can prevent or reduce the number of acute lateral ankle sprains. The effectiveness of a soccer-specific ankle brace in reducing first-time and recurrent acute lateral ankle sprains has never been investigated in girl soccer players. If effective, ankle braces could be introduced into soccer.

STUDY DESIGN

Cluster-randomised controlled trial.

METHODS

Girl amateur soccer players (aged 14-18 years) will be allocated to an intervention or control group. The intervention group will be instructed to wear soccer-specific ankle braces on both ankles during soccer training and matches; the control group will continue playing soccer as usual. Primary outcomes are the incidence and severity of acute lateral ankle sprains. Secondary outcomes are the prognostic value of generalised joint hypermobility and functional stability on the risk of acute lateral ankle sprains and compliance with the intervention.

DISCUSSION

The findings from this study may provide evidence to support the use of a soccer-specific ankle brace to prevent lateral ankle sprains during soccer. We hypothesise that this brace will reduce the incidence of ankle sprains among young amateur girl soccer players by 50%. The prevention of such injuries will be beneficial to players, clubs and society.

TRIAL REGISTRATION NUMBER

The Netherlands Trial Register (NTR): NTR6045; Pre-results.

User Survey of 3 Ankle Braces in Soccer, Volleyball, and Running: Which Brace Fits Best?

CONTEXT

  Recurrence rates for ankle sprains are high. Therefore, preventive measures such as ankle bracing during sports are recommended.

OBJECTIVE

  To systematically evaluate the perceived ease of use, quality, comfort, stability, and hindrance of and the overall satisfaction with 3 contemporary brace types in 3 types of sports.

DESIGN

  Randomized comparative user survey.

SETTING

  Recreational sports: soccer, volleyball, and running.

PATIENTS OR OTHER PARTICIPANTS

  Young adult recreational athletes (29 soccer players, 26 volleyball players, and 31 runners).

INTERVENTION(S)

  Compression brace (CB), lace-up brace (LB), and semirigid brace (SB).

MAIN OUTCOME MEASURE(S)

  Rating of perceived ease of use, quality, comfort, stability, and hindrance of and overall satisfaction with the brace types during sports on a 5-point Likert scale. The secondary outcome measure was participants' willingness to buy the tested brace.

RESULTS

  Overall, the 3 brace types received high mean scores for ease of use and quality. Soccer players preferred the CB over both alternatives, considering the higher scores for comfort (CB = 4.0, LB = 3.5, SB = 2.8), hindrance (CB = 3.7, LB = 2.9, SB = 2.8), overall satisfaction (CB = 3.6, LB = 3.0, SB = 2.5), and greatest willingness to buy this brace. Volleyball players preferred the LB over both alternatives, considering the higher scores for stability (LB = 4.2, CB = 3.2, SB = 3.3), overall satisfaction (LB = 3.8, CB = 3.0, SB = 3.0), and greatest willingness to buy this brace. Runners preferred the CB over both alternatives considering the better score for hindrance (CB = 3.6, LB = 2.8, SB = 2.9) and greatest willingness to buy this brace.

CONCLUSIONS

  All 3 ankle-brace types scored high on perceived ease of use and quality. Regarding the brace types, soccer players, volleyball players, and runners differed in their assessments of subjective evaluation of comfort, stability, hindrance, overall satisfaction, and willingness to buy the brace. Soccer players and runners preferred the CB, whereas volleyball players preferred the LB.

Compliance with Sport Injury Prevention Interventions in Randomised Controlled Trials: A Systematic Review

INTRODUCTION

Sport injury prevention studies vary in the way compliance with an intervention is defined, measured and adjusted for.

OBJECTIVE

The objective of this systematic review was to assess the extent to which sport injury prevention randomised controlled trials (RCTs) have defined, measured and adjusted results for compliance with an injury prevention intervention.

METHODS

An electronic search was performed in MEDLINE, PubMed, the Cochrane Center of Controlled Trials, CINAHL (Cumulative Index to Nursing and Allied Health Literature), PEDro (Physiotherapy Evidence Database) and SPORTDiscus. English RCTs, quasi-RCTs and cluster-RCTs were considered eligible. Trials that involved physically active individuals or examined the effects of an intervention aimed at the prevention of sport- or physical activity-related injuries were included.

RESULTS

Of the total of 100 studies included, 71.6 % mentioned compliance or a related term, 68.8 % provided details on compliance measurement and 51.4 % provided compliance data. Only 19.3 % analysed the effect of compliance rates on study outcomes. While studies used heterogeneous methods, pooled effects could not be presented.

CONCLUSIONS

Studies that account for compliance demonstrated that compliance significant affects study outcomes. The way compliance is dealt with in preventions studies is subject to a large degree of heterogeneity. Valid and reliable tools to measure and report compliance are needed and should be matched to a uniform definition of compliance.

Perceptions of football players regarding injury risk factors and prevention strategies

Current approaches regarding injury prevention focus on the transfer of evidence into daily practice. One promising approach is to influence attitudes and beliefs of players. The objective of this study was to record player’s perceptions on injury prevention. A survey was performed among players of one German high-level football (soccer) club. 139 professional and youth players between age 13 and 35 years completed a standardized questionnaire (response rate = 98%). It included categories with (1) history of lower extremity injuries, (2) perceptions regarding risk factors and (3) regularly used prevention strategies.

The majority of players (84.2%) had a previous injury. 47.5% of respondents believe that contact with other players is a risk factor, followed by fatigue (38.1%) and environmental factors (25.9%). The relevance of previous injuries as a risk factor is differently perceived between injured (25%) and uninjured players (0.0%). Nearly all players (91.5%) perform stretching to prevent injuries, followed by neuromuscular warm up exercises (54.0%). Taping is used by 40.2% of previously injured players and 13.6% of players without a history of injuries. In conclusion, the perception of risk factors and performed preventive strategies are inconsistent with scientific evidence. Future transfer strategies should incorporate the players beliefs and attitudes.

The influence of insoles with a peroneal pressure point on the electromyographic activity of tibialis anterior and peroneus longus during gait

Background

Peroneus longus acts as a foot evertor and pronator, thus ensuring stability of the talocrural joint by curbing inversion movement of the rearfoot. Increased activation of the peroneus longus muscle in the stance phase could have a stabilising effect on the ankle joint. This study aimed to determine whether the activity of the peroneus longus muscle could be increased by the targeted use of a specially formed lateral pressure element in a customised orthopaedic insole.

Methods

This was a laboratory-based study that utilised a randomised crossover design. Thirty-four healthy participants walked along a walkway in neutral footwear wearing a control insole or a sensorimotor insole with a lateral pressure point adjacent to the tendon of the peroneus longus muscle. The electromyographic muscle activity of the peroneus longus and tibialis anterior muscles was measured using surface electromyography. Contact with the ground was recorded via two pressure sensors under the sole of the shoe. Muscle activity during the stance phase was analysed in the time and amplitude domains and compared statistically with paired t-tests for both insole types.

Results

In 27 out of the 34 participants, an additional activity peak of the peroneus longus muscle was observed in the loading response phase with the sensorimotor insole, which reached its maximum at 29.7 % (±4.5 %) of the stance phase. When averaged over all 34 participants, the integrated electromyographic output for the peroneus longus in the mid-stance phase revealed a significant higher activity (p < 0.001, post hoc power = 0.98, effect size: Cohen’s d = 0.71) with the sensorimotor insole (18.1 ± 11.3 % MVCs) than with the control insole (11.2 ± 7.7 % MVCs). No significant effects were established for the other gait phases or for the tibialis anterior.

Conclusions

An increase of muscle activity of the peroneus longus muscle was observed during the loading response and mid-stance phase, when orthopedic insoles with a lateral pressure point were worn. We conclude that the pressure point changes afferent information and leads to an increased peroneus longus activation in the time interval in which the pressure point exerted pressure on the peroneal tendon.

Increasing compliance with neuromuscular training to prevent ankle sprain in sport: does the ‘Strengthen your ankle’ mobile App make a difference? A randomised controlled trial

Background

E-health has the potential to facilitate implementation of effective measures to prevent sports injuries.

Aim

We evaluated whether an interactive mobile application containing a proven effective exercise programme to prevent recurrent ankle sprains resulted in higher compliance as compared with regular written exercise materials.

Methods

220 athletes participated in this randomised controlled trial with a follow-up of 8 weeks; 110 athletes received a booklet explaining an 8-week neuromuscular training programme; 110 athletes participated in the same programme in an interactive mobile App (Strengthen your ankle). The primary outcome was compliance with the exercise programme. Secondary outcome measure was the incidence density of self-reported recurrent ankle sprains.

Results

The mean compliance to the exercise scheme was 73.3% (95% CI 67.7% to 78.1%) in the App group, compared with 76.7% (95% CI 71.9% to 82.3%) in the Booklet group. No significant difference in compliance was found between groups. The incidence densities of self-reported time-loss recurrences were not significantly different between both groups (HR 3.07; 95% CI 0.62 to 15.20).

Summary

This study shows that the method of implementing the exercises by using an App or a Booklet does not lead to different compliance rates.

New findings

The use of a mobile App or a Booklet lead to similar compliance and injury rates in the short term.

Trial registration number

The Netherlands National Trial Register NTR 4027. The NTR is part of the WHO Primary Registries.

Effect of kinesiotaping, non-elastic taping and bracing on segmental foot kinematics during drop landing in healthy subjects and subjects with chronic ankle instability

OBJECTIVE

To evaluate the effects of kinesiotape, non-elastic tape, and soft brace on segmental foot kinematics during drop landing in subjects with chronic ankle instability and healthy subjects.

DESIGN

Controlled study with repeated measurements.

SETTING

Three-dimensional motion analysis laboratory.

PARTICIPANTS

Twenty participants with chronic ankle instability and 20 healthy subjects.

INTERVENTIONS

The subjects performed drop landings with 17 retroreflective markers on the foot and lower leg in four conditions: barefoot, with kinesiotape, with non-elastic tape and with a soft brace.

MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES

Ranges of motion of foot segments using a foot measurement method.

RESULTS

In participants with chronic ankle instability, midfoot movement in the frontal plane (inclination of the medial arch) was reduced significantly by non-elastic taping, but kinesiotaping and bracing had no effect. In healthy subjects, both non-elastic taping and bracing reduced that movement. In both groups, non-elastic taping and bracing reduced rearfoot excursion in inversion/eversion significantly, which indicates a stabilisation effect. No such effect was found with kinesiotaping. All three methods reduced maximum plantar flexion significantly.

CONCLUSIONS

Non-elastic taping stabilised the midfoot best in patients with chronic ankle instability, while kinesiotaping did not influence foot kinematics other than to stabilise the rearfoot in the sagittal plane.

CLINICAL TRIAL REGISTRATION NUMBER

ClinicalTrials.gov NCT01810471.

Prevention of Lower Extremity Injuries in Basketball: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis

Context:

Lower extremity injuries are common in basketball, yet it is unclear how prophylactic interventions affect lower extremity injury incidence rates.

Objective:

To analyze the effectiveness of current lower extremity injury prevention programs in basketball athletes, focusing on injury rates of (1) general lower extremity injuries, (2) ankle sprains, and (3) anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) tears.

Data Sources:

PubMed, MEDLINE, CINAHL, SPORTDiscus, and the Cochrane Register of Controlled Trials were searched in January 2015.

Study Selection:

Studies were included if they were randomized controlled or prospective cohort trials, contained a population of competitive basketball athletes, and reported lower extremity injury incidence rates specific to basketball players. In total, 426 individual studies were identified. Of these, 9 met the inclusion criteria. One other study was found during a hand search of the literature, resulting in 10 total studies included in this meta-analysis.

Study Design:

Systematic review and meta-analysis.

Level of Evidence:

Level 2.

Data Extraction:

Details of the intervention (eg, neuromuscular vs external support), size of control and intervention groups, and number of injuries in each group were extracted from each study. Injury data were classified into 3 groups based on the anatomic diagnosis reported (general lower extremity injury, ankle sprain, ACL rupture).

Results:

Meta-analyses were performed independently for each injury classification. Results indicate that prophylactic programs significantly reduced the incidence of general lower extremity injuries (odds ratio [OR], 0.69; 95% CI, 0.57-0.85; P < 0.001) and ankle sprains (OR, 0.45; 95% CI, 0.29-0.69; P < 0.001), yet not ACL ruptures (OR, 1.09; 95% CI, 0.36-3.29; P = 0.87) in basketball athletes.

Conclusion:

In basketball players, prophylactic programs may be effective in reducing the risk of general lower extremity injuries and ankle sprains, yet not ACL injuries.

Interventions preventing ankle sprains; previous injury and high-risk sport participation as predictors of compliance

OBJECTIVES

To describe the association between participants' person-related potential predictor variables and cumulative compliance with interventions for preventing ankle sprains: neuromuscular training, wearing an ankle brace, and a combined training and bracing.

DESIGN

Secondary analysis of compliance data from a randomized controlled trial (RCT) comparing measures preventing ankle ligament injuries.

METHODS

Ordinal regression with a backward selection method was used to obtain a descriptive statistical model linking participants' person-related potential predictor variables with the monthly cumulative compliance measurements for three interventions preventing ankle ligament injuries.

RESULTS

Having had a previous ankle injury was significantly associated with a higher compliance with all of the preventive measures trialed. Overall compliance with bracing and the combined intervention was significantly lower than the compliance with NM training. Per group analysis found that participating in a high-risk sport, like soccer, basketball, and volleyball, was significantly associated with a higher compliance with bracing, or a combined bracing and NM training. In contrast, participating in a high-risk sport was significantly associated with a lower per group compliance with NM training.

CONCLUSIONS

Future studies should include at least registration of previous ankle sprains, sport participation (high- or low-risk), experience in NM training, and hours of sport exposure as possible predictors of compliance with interventions preventing ankle sprains. Practitioners should take into account these variables when prescribing preventive neuromuscular training or bracing.