OVERVIEW

Optimizing Lateral Ankle Sprain Rehabilitation EBP Home Study Course is organized by A.T. Still University (ATSU). This Course has been approved for a maximum of 0.75 EBP CEUS.

Course Description:
Lateral ankle sprains (LAS) are the most common injuries associated with physical activity and athletic participation. Up to 70% of individuals who sustain a single LAS will eventually develop chronic ankle instability (CAI), which has been associated with long-term consequences such as decreased health-related quality of life and decreased physical activity. To help mitigate consequences related to CAI, recent studies have investigated different approaches in managing patients who suffer a LAS, including the use of patient-reported outcome measures, clinician-reported outcome measures, and various treatment approaches. Although LAS present a major challenge for health care providers, particularly athletic trainers, little is known about the overall effectiveness of current treatment strategies for LAS. Thus, there is a pressing need to identify effective treatment strategies that will optimize patient outcomes and reduce re-injury risk.

While treatments should be individualized, balance training has been shown to be an effective strategy to improve postural control and reduce recurrent LAS risk, and should be a part of every LAS rehabilitation protocol. ATs should use a combination of patient-reported outcome measures and clinician-rated outcome measures to guide the treatment and management of LAS and to improve patient outcomes, reduce the risk of LAS re-injury, and prevent the onset of CAI.

Learning Objectives:
The specific objectives for this course include the development of the participant’s ability to:
• Discuss the progression of an acute lateral ankle sprain to chronic ankle instability
• Describe the evidence regarding the treatment of lateral ankle sprain injuries
• Identify patient-reported outcome measures and clinician-rated outcome measures appropriate for lateral ankle sprain rehabilitation

Additional details will be posted as soon as information is available.