Introduction: Regular physical activity has a positive impact on health but also increases the risk of acute and chronic musculoskeletal injuries. Among the most common are acute ankle sprains, particularly in physically active individuals. Recurrent ankle spains pose a risk for the development of chronic ankle instability, which leads to frequent sprains and repeated rehabilitation. Purpose: The aim of this thesis was to systematically review the literature to determine how different forms of exercise after an acute ankle sprain affect the risk of recurrent injuries. Methods: A systematic review was conducted in accordance with PRISMA guidelines. Literature was searched in PubMed and Cochrane Library databases using a combination of keywords and operators: (»ankle sprain« OR »ankle sprains«) AND (»exercise« OR »rehabilitation« OR »therapy« OR »physical therapy« OR »exercise therapy«). The quality of included studies was assessed using the PEDro database. Results: Seven studies met the inclusion criteria and were analyzed. In most of them, the recurrence rate of ankle sprains was lower in groups performing exercise interventions (proprioceptive and/or neuromuscular training) compared to control groups receiving standard care without additional exercise programs. Four studies reported statistically significant differences, two found no significant differences, and one reported an equal number of recurrences in both groups. Discussion and conclusion: The findings suggest that proprioceptive and neuromuscular training plays an important role in rehabilitation after an acute ankle sprain. Proprioceptive and neuromuscular training appear to be key elements in preventing recurrent injuries. However, due to methodological heterogeneity and the limited number of studies, the results provide mainly guidelines rather than definitive conclusions. Larger and more methodologically consistent randomized controlled trials will be needed to accurately assess the effects of exercise on the recurrence rate of ankle sprains.
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