Effects of early first aid on rehabilitation outcomes in young taekwondo athletes with acute ankle sprain: A retrospective analysis.

This article investigates the impact of early first aid (EFA), defined as application of the Protection, Rest, Ice, Compression, Elevation (PRICE) protocol within 24 hours, on rehabilitation outcomes in adolescent male Taekwondo athletes with acute lateral ankle sprains (LAS). In a retrospective analysis of 46 athletes undergoing a standardized 6-week rehabilitation program, the EFA group showed significantly greater improvements in ankle dorsiflexion range of motion, symptom relief measured by the Foot and Ankle Outcome Score (FAOS), and dynamic balance assessed by the Y-Balance Test (YBT) anterior reach distance compared to a delayed first aid (DFA) group. Both groups improved similarly in isokinetic ankle plantarflexion and dorsiflexion strength, indicating that early first aid primarily benefits joint mobility, symptom management, and balance rather than muscle strength recovery. The findings emphasize the importance of prompt first aid in optimizing functional recovery and reducing complications after LAS in young athletes.