Understanding chronic ankle instability after an ankle sprain

Determining Key Clinical Predictors for Chronic Ankle Instability and Return to Sports With Cost of Illness Analysis: a Prospective Cohort Study

Observational Universiteit Antwerpen · NCT05637008

This study is trying to find out what factors can help predict if people aged 18-55 will develop ongoing ankle problems after a sprain and how soon they can get back to sports.

Quick facts

Study typeObservational
Enrollment265 (estimated)
Ages18 Years to 55 Years
SexAll
SponsorUniversiteit Antwerpen Academic / other
Locations1 site (Edegem, Antwerpen)
Trial IDNCT05637008 on ClinicalTrials.gov

What this trial studies

This observational prospective cohort study aims to identify key clinical predictors for chronic ankle instability and the ability to return to sports in individuals who have experienced an acute ankle sprain. Participants will be evaluated at four different time points: 7-14 days, 6 weeks, 12 weeks, and 12 months following their injury. The study will utilize clinically applicable outcome measures and patient-reported outcomes to assess recovery and the development of chronic instability. Recruitment will occur through various healthcare settings and social media, focusing on physically active individuals aged 18-55.

Who should consider this trial

Good fit: Ideal candidates are physically active individuals aged 18-55 who have suffered an acute ankle sprain within the last 7 days.

Not a fit: Patients with recurrent ankle sprains, chronic ankle instability, or other significant lower limb injuries may not benefit from this study.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this study could provide valuable insights into preventing chronic ankle instability and improving recovery strategies for athletes.

How similar studies have performed: Other studies have explored similar predictors for ankle instability, but this specific approach focusing on acute sprains and recovery in athletes is relatively novel.

Eligibility criteria

Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria:

* 18-55 years old
* Acute ankle sprain: \<7 days
* Athletes (recreational or professional)
* Previous ankle sprain \>12 months

Exclusion Criteria:

* Recurrent ankle sprain
* Ankle fracture
* Chronic ankle instability
* High ankle sprain (syndesmosis)
* A history of ankle or foot operations
* Other lower limb injuries and/or complaints
* Severe ocular impairments
* Any neurological, cardiac, vascular or metabolic disease

Where this trial is running

Edegem, Antwerpen

Study contacts

How to participate

  1. Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
  2. Visit the official trial page on ClinicalTrials.gov for the most current contact information and recruitment status.
  3. Contact the listed study coordinator or principal investigator to request pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.
Conditions Ankle SprainsAnkle sprainrehabilitationsports injurychronic ankle instability
Last reviewed 2026-06-09 by the Find a Trial editorial team. Information on this page is for educational purposes and is not medical advice. Always consult qualified healthcare professionals about clinical trial participation.