Addressing Neuromuscular Deficits for Improved Outcomes in Ankle Rehabilitation
Trial Parameters
Brief Summary
The purpose of this project is to compare a novel sensorimotor ankle rehabilitation training (SMART) protocol for Lateral ankle sprains (LASs) against a standard of care (SOC) protocol to determine if it is more successful at producing successful one-year outcomes and lower rates of re-injury and improved health. This will address the identified needs for evidence-support and reintegration strategies to improve understanding of the management of patient rehabilitation strategies throughout the rehabilitation process following neuromusculoskeletal injury. The project will validate an innovative rehabilitation approach while providing metrics of success using a variety of clinical and innovative markers.
Eligibility Criteria
Inclusion Criteria: * initiating rehabilitation for a first time acute grade I, II, or III LAS * have sustained within 72 hours of study enrollment * diagnosed by a physician, medic, athletic trainer, physical therapist, or other providing medical coverage in operational environments as having sustained a LAS Exclusion Criteria: * personal or familial history of epilepsy or seizures * history of migraine headaches * ocular foreign body, increased intracranial pressure, open head injury or significant closed head injury * cochlear implants * implanted brain stimulators, aneurysm clips or other metal in the head (except mouth) * implanted medication pumps, pacemakers or intracardiac lines * current medication with tricyclic anti-depressants, neuroleptic agents or other drugs that lower seizure threshold * history of diagnosed major psychiatric disorder * history of illicit drug use * current alcohol abuse or currently withdrawing from alcohol abuse * history of heart disease