Functional Recovery in Active-Duty Military Personnel Following a Novel, Self-applicable, Stepwise, Target-Oriented Protocol for Lateral Ankle Sprain: A Prospective Cohort Study
Year: 2025
Type: article
Study design: Observational Study
Abstract: Background: Due to limited access to hospital-based rehabilitation, many active-duty soldiers return to duty after lateral ankle sprain (LAS) without the opportunity for stepwise rehabilitation, despite the risk of delayed functional recovery and re-injury. This prospective cohort study aimed to introduce and evaluate the effectiveness of a low-cost, self-applicable, stepwise, target-oriented protocol for LAS (STOP-Sprain) in facilitating functional recovery. Methods: A total of 60 participants were finally included and divided into 2 groups: those who followed the protocol (under protocol, group U = 45) and those who did not (out of protocol, group O = 15). Group U was further divided into the regular check-up group with frequent hospital visits (group UR = 28) and the self-application group (group US = 17). We analyzed comparative outcomes at 3 months, including recovery rates, re-sprain rates, pain numerical rating scale, and Foot and Ankle Ability Measure (FAAM) scores. Results: = 0.085); however, the differences were not statistically significant. Conclusions: STOP-Sprain, a novel self-applicable protocol for LAS, showed short-term improvements in recovery rate, pain, and clinical scores, achieving high patient satisfaction without the need for additional equipment or facilities. It is particularly beneficial in settings where hospital-based rehabilitation is challenging.
Source: Clinics in Orthopedic Surgery
DOI: 10.4055/cios24478
Authors: Jae Hyeon Seo, Jun Seong Lee, Ji Hyun Seo, Myoung Yeol Shin, Ho Seong Lee, Young Rak Choi
Institutions: Asan Medical Center, University of Ulsan
Language: English
Topic: Foot and Ankle Surgery
Subfield: Orthopedics and Sports Medicine
Field: Medicine
Domain: Health Sciences
Open Access status: diamond
OpenAlex ID: W4410798453