Comparing Sensorimotor Ankle Rehabilitation Training to Standard Care for Lateral Ankle Sprains Improving Recovery and Reducing Re-injury Over One Year

What this Trial Is About

Researchers are comparing a new sensorimotor ankle rehabilitation training SMART protocol with the standard of care SOC for people who have recently experienced lateral ankle sprains LAS. The study aims to see if the SMART approach leads to better one-year outcomes, including fewer re-injuries and improved overall health. This research addresses the need for better rehabilitation strategies and understanding of patient recovery after neuromusculoskeletal injuries like LAS. The study includes two groups one receiving the standard care focused on restoring ankle range of motion, strength, and balance, and the other receiving the SMART intervention, which builds on standard care by adding sensorimotor training to improve sensory inputs, motor outputs, and their integration. Participants will be randomly assigned to either group and will begin treatment shortly after their injury. Participants will be assessed when cleared to return to full activity and again at 6 and 12 months after return. Evaluations include clinical outcomes like ankle function, quality of life, physical activity, balance, range of motion, and rates of re-injury. The study also measures innovative markers of central nervous system function and ankle joint health. This follow-up helps researchers determine the success of the rehabilitation approaches over one year.

Addressing Neuromuscular Deficits for Improved Outcomes in Ankle Rehabilitation