Development of Chronic Ankle Instability After Acute Ankle Sprain

Determining Key Clinical Predictors for Chronic Ankle Instability and Return to Sports With Cost of Illness Analysis: a Prospective Cohort Study

The goal of this observational prospective cohort study is to determine key clinical predictors for chronic ankle instability and return to sports in patients who suffered an acute ankle sprain.

The researchers will evaluate clinical outcome measures and patient reported outcome measures on 3 test moments and at 12 months of follow-up.

In this prospective cohort study, 4 different measurement time points will be used: 7-14 days, 6 weeks, 12 weeks and 12 months after the initial ankle sprain event. The researchers will include physically active people that engage in sports regularly, who recently suffered an acute ankle sprain. Recruitment will be done via hospital emergency departments, casualty departments and sports injury clinics, GP's, sports federations and social media.

The researchers will only use outcome measurements that are applicable in clinical practice, and patient reported outcome measures to evaluate the participants. The main outcome of this study is the development of chronic ankle instability, based on published criteria. The researchers aim to determine which clinically applicable outcome measures are key determinants for the development of chronic ankle instability. A secondary outcome is successful return to sports, with the objective to determine key clinically applicable determinants for successful recovery and return to sports.

Inclusion Criteria:

• 18-55 years old
• Acute ankle sprain: <7 days
• Athletes (recreational or professional)
• Previous ankle sprain >12 months

Exclusion Criteria:

• Recurrent ankle sprain
• Ankle fracture
• Chronic ankle instability
• High ankle sprain (syndesmosis)
• A history of ankle or foot operations
• Other lower limb injuries and/or complaints
• Severe ocular impairments
• Any neurological, cardiac, vascular or metabolic disease