Towards the strategies of return to sport after lateral ankle Sprain: a systematic review.

BACKGROUND: Returning to sport (RTS) from lateral ankle sprain (LAS) is multifaceted and interdisciplinary. This systematic review aimed to investigate the factors involved in RTS and further establish a standard paradigm of RTS to treat and rehabilitate the LAS. METHODS: Four electronic databases, including PubMed (MEDLINE), Web of Science, Science Direct, and Scopus, were searched until March 1, 2024. The literature was identified, screened, evaluated, managed and data was extracted by developing inclusion criteria based on the PICO model for systematic reviews. The quality of the studies was assessed using the Downs and Black checklist and the measurement parameters were summarised. RESULTS: This systematic review included 20 papers with a mean quality score of 75.36±10.40%. Participant's information, research content, purpose, methods, and interventions were extracted and summarized. The included articles were divided into four categories for further discussion, including (1) rehabilitation measures for LAS, (2) criteria for RTS of LAS, (3) performance assessment after RTS of LAS, and (4) the relationship between criteria and time of RTS for LAS. CONCLUSION: RTS for LAS is a continuous process, which is influenced by complex factors, such as the injury extent, injury causation, treatment protocols, and recovery criteria. The standard paradigms of RTS rehabilitation for LAS is still lacking in the literature. Current study identified the procedure and timeline of RTS for LAS. Findings may provide theoretical basis, clinical implications, and decision-making guidance for the RTS of LAS patients.