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The purpose of this study was to determine whether inertial motion capture (IMC) in combination with musculoskeletal modeling is a suitable method to assess lower limb kinematics and kinetics during high-speed running. Optical motion capture (OMC), IMC and ground reaction forces (GRF) were used as input for musculoskeletal models. Kinematics showed excellent correlations (knee: ρ=0.98, rRMSE=21.0%, hip: ρ=0.95, rRMSE=18.5 %, ankle: ρ=0.93, rRMSE=46.6%). The ground reaction force predictions showed varying results (anteroposterior: ρ=0.77, rRMSE=33.4%, mediolateral: ρ=0.04, rRMSE=69.1%, vertical: ρ=0.78, rRMSE=25.7%). The examined IMC and musculoskeletal modeling approach was proven a useful alternative to OMC and force plates for outdoor measurements in high-speed running.

Background: Lateral ankle sprains (LASs) are common in indoor sports and high shoe-surface friction is considered a risk factor for non-contact LASs. Spraino is a novel Teflon-patch that is attached to the outside of sports shoes to minimise friction at the lateral edge, which could mitigate the risk of LAS. We aimed to determine preliminary effectiveness (incidence rate and severity) and safety (harms) of Spraino when used to prevent LAS injury among indoor sport athletes.Methods: In this exploratory, parallel-group, two-arm pilot RCT, 510 sub-elite indoor sport athletes with a previous LAS injury were randomly allocated (1:1) to Spraino or “do-as-usual”. Allocation was concealed and the trial was outcome-assessor-blinded. Match and training exposure, LASs and associated time-loss were captured weekly via text messages. Information on harms, fear-of-injury and ankle pain were also documented.Results: 480 participants completed the trial, reporting a total of 151 LASs, of which 96 were categorised as non-contact, and 50 as severe. All outcomes favoured Spraino with incidence rate ratios of 0,87 (95% CI: 0,62-1,23) for all LASs; 0,64 (95% CI: 0,42-0,98) for non-contact LASs; and 0,47 (95% CI: 0,25-0,88) for severe LASs. Time-loss per LAS was also lower in the Spraino group (1,8 vs 2,8 weeks, p=0,014). Six participants reported minor harms because of Spraino.Conclusion: Compared to usual care, athletes allocated to Spraino had a reduced risk of LAS injury and reduced time-loss, with only few reports of minor harms. The next step is to test these promising risk reductions in a confirmatory RCT.Trial registration: NCT03311490Funding: Copenhagen Center for Health Technology (grant RFH-15-00013), Innovation Fund Denmark (grant 7038-00087A)

Introduction Lateral ankle sprains (LAS) are the most common injury in sports. They are especially prevalent in indoor sports, where high shoe-surface friction is considered a risk factor for “non-contact” injuries. Spraino® is a novel product that minimizes friction on the lateral edge of the shoe, thereby potentially mitigating the risk.Materials and Methods We designed and conducted an outcome-assessor-blinded, parallel-group, two-arm pilot RCT (NCT03311490). 510 sub-elite indoor sport athletes with a history of LAS injuries were randomly allocated (1:1) to Spraino® or to a “do-as-usual” control group. The allocation procedure was concealed to investigators and participants. Match and training exposure, LAS injuries and time-loss data were captured via weekly text messages. Specifically, the objective was to determine preliminary effect (rate and severity) and safety (harms) of Spraino® when used to prevent LAS injuries among indoor sport athletes. Results 480 participants completed the trial, reporting a total of 151 LAS injuries. 96 were categorized as non-contact, of which 34 were severe. Incidence rate ratios of 0.87 (95% CI, 0.62-1.23) for all LAS injuries, 0.64 (95% CI, 0.42-0.97) for non-contact LAS injuries, and 0.41 (95% CI, 0.19-0.89) for severe non-contact LAS injuries were computed; all outcomes favoured Spraino®. The time-loss ratio for the total number of injuries was 0.65 (95% CI, 0.45-0.93). Six participants reported minor harm related to slipping because of Spraino®.Conclusion Spraino® was associated with a lower rate of non-contact LAS injury, lower time-loss, and with few reports of harms. Findings should be replicated in a confirmatory RCT.