Sensorimotor Training for Prevention of Ankle Sprain

Ankle sprains represent the most common and severe injury type in many sports. Thus, from a public health perspective, a primary goal is to prevent these injuries. Preventive measures should be designed to target the most important risk factors of injury. Previous research has demonstrated that a previous ankle sprain and associated disturbances in sensorimotor joint control increase the risk of further injury, chronic pain and/or instability. Thus, training programs aimed at enhancing sensorimotor control are often recommended for prevention. The goal of the present article was to outline the current evidence base for sensorimotor training in the primary and secondary prevention of ankle sprains. Previous systematic reviews and meta-analyses showed that balance training alone was efficacious in reducing the incidence of ankle sprain injuries by 36%. Multi-intervention training (e.g. balance training, strength training, plyometrics) was effective in reducing the injury risk by 50%. Evidence suggests that sensorimotor training is more effective in athletes with a history of injury than in those without. Considering compliance or adherence behaviors, future research should focus on the effectiveness of sensorimotor training in real-world sports. Furthermore, the dose-response relationship between sensorimotor training and ankle sprain injuries remains to be further elucidated.