Research Progress on Risk Factors and Exercise Rehabilitation Strategies for Ankle Sprains

Abstract

An ankle sprain is a frequent musculoskeletal injury in sports and during everyday activities, with some individuals suffering repeated sprains and chronic ankle instability. Injury occurrence and recovery are influenced by age, body weight and body mass index (BMI), prior injury history and sensorimotor function, whereas exercise rehabilitation is the next important modifiable phase after injury. The review is mostly based on publicly available medical literature available in PubMed and other similar resources, which summarizes epidemiological reports, prospective cohorts, randomized controlled trials, systematic reviews and meta-analyses. The article will focus on the major risk factors of ankle sprain and on how structured exercise rehabilitation influences pain, function, balance, and recurrence. Evidence on the risk factors and the evidence on post-injury rehabilitation are presented in a sequential manner, highlighting the concept of stratification of risks and a deficit-based approach to rehabilitation. The adolescent group has the highest incidence of ankle sprain; increased BMI has been linked to injury and certain long-term consequences; past injury and sensorim motor performance must also be considered in assessing risk. Balance, proprioception, strength and neuromuscular training have been shown to enhance functionality and less recurrence can be achieved through more or less stable evidence and rehabilitation intensity needs to be personalized based on injury severity and functional impairment.