PrEOA Ankle

Consequences of Ankle Sprain Injury in Youth Sport
Implications for Post-Traumatic Osteoarthritis

Osteoarthritis (OA) is a disabling joint disease that affects many people and impacts healthcare systems worldwide. Ankle sprain is the most common injury in youth sport and recreation, and a history of injury has been identified as major risk factor for developing post-traumatic ankle osteoarthritis. Once an individual has experienced an ankle sprain injury, it is important that they are monitored and compared to individuals that have not had an injury, as they hold vital clues that can assist in the early detection and development of treatments aimed at slowing the progression of OA.

We are trying to evaluate the effect of ankle joint injury in youth and young adults 3-15 years post-injury.

Study Partners


Who is participating?

  • Individuals, aged 15-30, who sustained a significant ankle sprain injury 3-15 years ago in youth sport
  • Individuals, aged 15-30, who have never sustained a lower limb injury

What are participants doing?

Individuals complete testing once a year for three consecutive years. Testing includes: ankle range of motion; strength testing of leg muscles; functional movement tests that assess agility, balance and biomechanics; body composition, including a dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry (DEXA) scan; the 20m shuttle run; and questionnaires regarding attitudes and beliefs associated with injury and sport participation, and healthcare utilization.

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