EMG as a support tool for physiotherapy Investigating the role of EMG in determining Return-To-Sports in patients with lateral ankle sprain by physiotherapists

This study investigates the use of surface electromyography (sEMG) to improve the objectivity and effectiveness of return-to-sports assessments following lateral ankle sprains. By measuring muscle activation, sEMG provides a non-invasive method to monitor rehabilitation progress. The research included three patients with lateral ankle sprains and a control group of six healthy individuals to establish baseline muscle activation differences. sEMG measurements and kinematic assessments were conducted during the middle and final stages of treatment, with follow-up evaluations four weeks later. Key findings highlighted the Root Mean Square Error (RMSE) as a promising metric for injury detection and recovery assessment. Consistency in muscle activation patterns between injured and non-injured limbs emerged as an important indicator of readiness to return to sports. However, the Coefficient of Determination (CoD) showed variability, reducing its reliability. The study also noted potential changes in muscle onset timing, suggesting the need for more advanced threshold approaches. While these findings offer preliminary insights into sEMG’s application in sports injury assessment, further research with a larger and more diverse sample is necessary. This work sets the stage for future advancements in sports medicine and rehabilitation diagnostics.