Document Type

Article

Publication Date

2021

Abstract

Objective

This systematic review sought to update a prior review and identify the current physical performance tests (PPT) that are used to determine return to sport (RTS) readiness in competitive athletes following musculoskeletal foot and ankle pathology. Methods The PubMed, CINHAL, and SPORTDiscus databases were systematically searched for articles using keywords related to PPT, RTS, and foot and ankle injuries. The quality of the included studies was evaluated using the risk of bias (RoB) tools proposed by the CLARITY from the McMaster University of Health Sciences.

Results

Twenty-five articles (9 RCTs, 16 Non-RCTs) with 1372 subjects were included for the final analysis. Twelve PPTs were classified as muscle performance, postural control, or functional tests. The Star Excursion Balance Test, Side Hop Test, and Square Hop Test showed good reliability, agreement, and responsiveness when assessing athletes with foot and ankle pathologies. The quality assessment determined that <45% of RCTs failed to adequately blind participants, personnel, and/or assessors. While <40% of Non-RCTs clearly stated assessment exposure, the absence of the outcome of interest, and assessment of the presence of prognostic factors.

Conclusions

Though additional studies regarding RTS PPTs for the foot and ankle have been published, there remains a need for higher quality studies evaluating the psychometric properties of the PPTs in injured athlete populations.

Comments

Originally published in CPQ Orthopaedics (2021) 5:3 Systematic Review.

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