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Ankle sprains: patient perceptions of function and performance of physical tasks. A mixed methods approach
Peter J Larmer1, Peter J McNair, Liz Smythe
1School of Rehabilitation and Occupation Studies, Faculty of Health and Environmental Sciences, AUT University, Auckland, 1142, New Zealand. peter.larmer@aut.ac.nz
Purpose:
To investigate patient's perceptions of function and performance of physical tasks after discharge from treatment for an ankle sprain.
Methods:
Using a mixed methods approach, 40 participants who presented with an acute sprained ankle and their treating clinicians completed two questionnaires related to function at the start and end of a rehabilitation programme. Additionally, participants completed the questionnaires at 6 weeks following discharge at which time they also performed physical tasks that were still perceived as difficult. Ten participants also completed a semi-structured interview.
Results:
There were no significant differences (p > 0.05) in the participant's and clinician's initial assessment of function. However, at discharge participants scored their function significantly (p < 0.05) lower than clinicians. This difference was not apparent 6 weeks later (p > 0.05). However, there was a significant difference (p < 0.05) following actual performance of tasks with an effect size of 1.58. Participant interviews confirmed that patients had a fear of re-injury until they actually performed tasks that were perceived as difficult.
Conclusions:
Clinicians and participants do not have a similar perception of the recovery of an ankle sprain at discharge. Performing tasks which were perceived as difficult were valuable in assisting participants gain an improved appreciation of their function.
