Athletic Trainers’ Methods for Determining Return to Activity for Patients With an Ankle Sprain Part II: Influences of Selected Outcomes

Athletic trainers’ reasons for selecting or avoiding certain evaluation techniques for patients with an ankle sprain are not fully understood. Such information is important to facilitating evidence-based practice and eliminating barriers. The purpose of this qualitative study was to determine what factors influence athletic trainers’ selection or avoidance of specific outcomes used to determine patients’ return to activity readiness following an ankle sprain. Participants cited many factors that facilitate and inhibit their use of best-practice recommendations and alternative methods for evaluating patients with ankle sprains. Athletic trainers’ should continue to promote facilitators and eliminate barriers to the use of best practices.