%0 Randomized Controlled Trial
%T E-health intervention for preventing recurrent ankle sprains: a randomised controlled trial in general practice.
%A Mailuhu AK
%A Verhagen EA
%A van Ochten J
%A Bindels PJ
%A Bierma-Zeinstra SM
%A van Middelkoop M
%J Br J Gen Pract
%V 74
%N 738
%D 2024 Jan
%M 38154933
%F 6.302
%R 10.3399/BJGP.2022.0465
%X BACKGROUND: Ankle sprains are frequent injuries in general practice. However, no effective treatment is available yet.
OBJECTIVE: To examine the effectiveness of an unsupervised e-health-supported neuromuscular training programme in combination with usual care compared with usual care alone in patients with acute lateral ankle sprains in general practice.
METHODS: Randomised controlled trial with 1-year follow-up among patients (14-65 years) who visited the GP with an acute lateral ankle sprain within 3 weeks of injury.
METHODS: The intervention group received, in addition to usual care, an unsupervised e-health-supported neuromuscular training programme and the control group received usual care alone. The primary outcome was self-reported re-sprains during 52 weeks of follow-up. Secondary outcomes were ankle function, pain in rest and during activity, subjective recovery, and return to the same type and level of sport.
RESULTS: In total, 165 participants (mean age 38.3 years and 69 [41.8%] male) were included. No statistically significant difference in the occurrence of a re-sprain were found between the intervention 20.7% (17/82) and control group 24.1% (20/83) (hazard ratio 1.14, 95% confidence interval = 0.59 to 2.21). Also, no statistically significant differences in secondary outcomes were found between groups. The adherence rate to the programme was low (6.1%, 5/82).
CONCLUSIONS: The rate of re-sprains was relatively high and an unsupervised e-health-supported neuromuscular training programme does not yield meaningful effects and does not encourage adherence in preventing re-sprains in patients in general practice. More research is necessary to indicate the best treatment modality and way of delivery for these patients.