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

Ankle sprain is the most common sports-related injury with a high rate of recurrence and associated costs. Recent studies have emphasised the effectiveness of both neuromuscular training and bracing for the secondary prevention of ankle sprains. To evaluate the effectiveness of combined bracing and neuromuscular training, or bracing alone, against the use of neuromuscular training on recurrences of ankle sprain after usual care. 384 athletes, aged 18-70, who had sustained a lateral ankle sprain, were included (training group n=120; brace group n=126; combi group n=138). The training group received an 8-week home-based neuromuscular training programme, the brace group received a semirigid ankle brace to be worn during all sports activities for 12 months, and the combi group received both the training programme, as well as the ankle brace, to be worn during all sports activities for 8 weeks. The main outcome measure was self-reported recurrence of the ankle sprain. During the 1-year follow-up, 69 participants (20%) reported a recurrent ankle sprain: 29 (27%) in the training group, 17 (15%) in the brace group and 23 (19%) in the combi group. The relative risk for a recurrent ankle sprain in the brace group versus the training group was 0.53 (95% CI 0.29 to 0.97). No significant differences were found for time losses or costs due to ankle sprains between the intervention groups. Bracing was superior to neuromuscular training in reducing the incidence but not the severity of self-reported recurrent ankle sprains after usual care.

Janssen KW ，van Mechelen W ，Verhagen EA 《-》

The Cost-Effectiveness of Measures to Prevent Recurrent Ankle Sprains: Results of a 3-Arm Randomized Controlled Trial.

Ankle sprains are the most common sports-related injury, associated with a high rate of recurrence and societal costs. Recent studies have emphasized the effectiveness of both neuromuscular training and bracing for the secondary prevention of ankle sprains. To evaluate the cost-effectiveness of the separate and combined use of bracing and neuromuscular training for the prevention of the recurrence of ankle sprains. Economic and decision analysis; Level of evidence, 2. A total of 340 athletes (157 male and 183 female; aged 12-70 years) who had sustained a lateral ankle sprain up to 2 months before inclusion were randomized to a neuromuscular training group (n = 107), brace group (n = 113), and combined intervention group (n = 120). Randomization was stratified by medical treatment of the inclusion sprain. Participants in the neuromuscular training group underwent an 8-week home-based exercise program. Participants in the brace group received a semirigid ankle brace to be worn during all sports activities for a period of 12 months. Participants allocated to the combined group underwent both interventions, with the ankle brace to be worn during all sports activities for a period of 8 weeks. The recurrence of ankle sprains and associated costs were registered during the 1-year follow-up. There were no differences between groups at baseline with regard to age, sex, sports participation, previous injury, or knowledge of preventive measures. The incremental cost-effectiveness ratio (ICER) of the brace group in comparison with the combined group was -€2828.30 (approximately--US$3865.00), based on a difference in the mean cost of -€76.16 (approximately--US$104.00) and a difference in the mean effects of 2.68%. The ICER of the neuromuscular training group in comparison with the combined group was €310.08 (approximately US$424.00), based on a difference in the mean cost of -€28.37 (approximately--US$39.00) and a difference in the mean effects of 9.15%. Bracing was found to be the dominant secondary preventive intervention over both neuromuscular training and the combination of both measures.

Janssen KW ，Hendriks MR ，van Mechelen W ，Verhagen E ... -  《-》

Ankles back in randomized controlled trial (ABrCt): braces versus neuromuscular exercises for the secondary prevention of ankle sprains. Design of a randomised controlled trial.

Janssen KW ，van Mechelen W ，Verhagen EA 《BMC MUSCULOSKELETAL DISORDERS》

Effect of unsupervised home based proprioceptive training on recurrences of ankle sprain: randomised controlled trial.

Hupperets MD ，Verhagen EA ，van Mechelen W 《BMJ-British Medical Journal》

The 2BFit study: is an unsupervised proprioceptive balance board training programme, given in addition to usual care, effective in preventing ankle sprain recurrences? Design of a randomized controlled trial.

Hupperets MD ，Verhagen EA ，van Mechelen W 《BMC MUSCULOSKELETAL DISORDERS》