Addressing Neuromuscular Deficits for Improved Outcomes in Ankle Rehabilitation
Phillip Gribble
Summary
The purpose of this project is to compare a novel sensorimotor ankle rehabilitation training (SMART) protocol for Lateral ankle sprains (LASs) against a standard of care (SOC) protocol to determine if it is more successful at producing successful one-year outcomes and lower rates of re-injury and improved health. This will address the identified needs for evidence-support and reintegration strategies to improve understanding of the management of patient rehabilitation strategies throughout the rehabilitation process following neuromusculoskeletal injury. The project will validate an innovative rehabilitation approach while providing metrics of success using a variety of clinical and innovative markers.
Description
Background: Ankle injuries are the most common musculoskeletal injuries in the military and civilian populations, creating a substantial time loss that equates to a $5.5 billion annual financial burden. Up to 70% who sustain a lateral ankle sprain (LAS) will develop chronic ankle instability (CAI), with persistent functional disability and injury recurrence. Over 70% of CAI cases will develop early onset post-traumatic ankle joint osteoarthritis (PTOA), with consequent deteriorations in physical activity and health-related quality of life. Given the rate of injuries and discharge rates in the…
Eligibility
- Age range
- 18–44 years
- Sex
- All
- Healthy volunteers
- No
Inclusion Criteria: * initiating rehabilitation for a first time acute grade I, II, or III LAS * have sustained within 72 hours of study enrollment * diagnosed by a physician, medic, athletic trainer, physical therapist, or other providing medical coverage in operational environments as having sustained a LAS Exclusion Criteria: * personal or familial history of epilepsy or seizures * history of migraine headaches * ocular foreign body, increased intracranial pressure, open head injury or significant closed head injury * cochlear implants * implanted brain stimulators, aneurysm clips or oth…
Interventions
- OtherSMART Intervention
Ankle rehabilitation with the addition of sensorimotor components
- OtherStandard of Care Intervention
Ankle rehabilitation focused on restoring range of motion, strength and balance
Locations (2)
- University of KentuckyLexington, Kentucky
- University of North Carolina at Chapel HillChapel Hill, North Carolina