Article ID Journal Published Year Pages File Type
2702752 Journal of Science and Medicine in Sport 2015 7 Pages PDF
Abstract

ObjectivesTo systematically summarise the evidence on the effectiveness of proprioceptive training in reducing the incidence and recurrence rates of ankle sprains in the sporting population.DesignA systematic review and meta-analysis of randomised controlled trials.MethodsA computer-based literature search of MEDLINE, EMBASE, CINAHL, SPORTDiscus and PEDro (to October 2013) was conducted. Methodological quality of individual studies was assessed using the PEDro scale. Meta-analysis was performed on eligible studies to produce a pooled estimate of the effectiveness of the intervention.ResultsSeven moderate-to-high quality randomised controlled trials involving 3726 participants were included. Results of the meta-analysis combining all participants, irrespective of ankle injury history status, revealed a significant reduction of ankle sprain incidence when proprioceptive training was performed compared to a range of control interventions (relative risk = 0.65, 95% CI 0.55–0.77). Results favouring the intervention remained significant for participants with a history of ankle sprain (relative risk = 0.64, 95% CI 0.51–0.81). Results looking exclusively at primary prevention in those without a history were also statistically significant (relative risk = 0.57, 95% CI 0.34 to 0.97), although the pooled effect was obtained from two non-significant trials.ConclusionsProprioceptive training programmes are effective at reducing the rate of ankle sprains in sporting participants, particularly those with a history of ankle sprain. Current evidence remains inconclusive on the benefits for primary prevention of ankle sprains.

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Health Sciences Medicine and Dentistry Orthopedics, Sports Medicine and Rehabilitation
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