Use the Back button in your browser to see the other results of your search or to select another record.

Detailed Search Results

The cost-effectiveness of measures to prevent recurrent ankle sprains: results of a 3-arm randomized controlled trial
Janssen KW, Hendriks MRC, van Mechelen W, Verhagen E
The American Journal of Sports Medicine 2014 Jul;42(7):1534-1541
clinical trial
4/10 [Eligibility criteria: No; Random allocation: Yes; Concealed allocation: No; Baseline comparability: Yes; Blind subjects: No; Blind therapists: No; Blind assessors: No; Adequate follow-up: No; Intention-to-treat analysis: No; Between-group comparisons: Yes; Point estimates and variability: Yes. Note: Eligibility criteria item does not contribute to total score] *This score has been confirmed*

BACKGROUND: Ankle sprains are the most common sports-related injury, associated with a high rate of recurrence and societal costs. Recent studies have emphasized the effectiveness of both neuromuscular training and bracing for the secondary prevention of ankle sprains. PURPOSE: To evaluate the cost-effectiveness of the separate and combined use of bracing and neuromuscular training for the prevention of the recurrence of ankle sprains. STUDY DESIGN: Economic and decision analysis; level of evidence, 2. METHODS: A total of 340 athletes (157 male and 183 female; aged 12 to 70 years) who had sustained a lateral ankle sprain up to 2 months before inclusion were randomized to a neuromuscular training group (n = 107), brace group (n = 113), and combined intervention group (n = 120). Randomization was stratified by medical treatment of the inclusion sprain. Participants in the neuromuscular training group underwent an 8-week home-based exercise program. Participants in the brace group received a semirigid ankle brace to be worn during all sports activities for a period of 12 months. Participants allocated to the combined group underwent both interventions, with the ankle brace to be worn during all sports activities for a period of 8 weeks. The recurrence of ankle sprains and associated costs were registered during the 1-year follow-up. RESULTS: There were no differences between groups at baseline with regard to age, sex, sports participation, previous injury, or knowledge of preventive measures. The incremental cost-effectiveness ratio (ICER) of the brace group in comparison with the combined group was -2,828.30 Euro (approximately -US$3,865.00), based on a difference in the mean cost of -76.16 Euro (approximately -US$104.00) and a difference in the mean effects of 2.68%. The ICER of the neuromuscular training group in comparison with the combined group was Euro 310.08 (approximately US$424.00), based on a difference in the mean cost of -28.37 Euro (approximately -US$39.00) and a difference in the mean effects of 9.15%. CONCLUSION: Bracing was found to be the dominant secondary preventive intervention over both neuromuscular training and the combination of both measures.

Full text (sometimes free) may be available at these link(s):      help