Short term rehabilitation and ankle instability

Area of Science:

• Sports Medicine
• Orthopedics
• Physical Therapy

Background:

• Chronic ankle instability (CAI) frequently follows ankle sprains, leading to persistent foot and ankle disability.
• Existing research on CAI rehabilitation often overlooks comprehensive performance metrics like pain, balance, and isokinetic strength.
• Assessing the impact of targeted rehabilitation on these multifaceted aspects of CAI is crucial for effective patient outcomes.

Purpose of the Study:

• To evaluate the effectiveness of a short-term rehabilitation program on functional outcomes in individuals with CAI.
• The program aimed to improve range of motion (ROM), functional muscular performance, and neuromuscular control.
• Specific outcome measures included the Foot/Ankle Disability Index (FADI), FADI-Sport, ROM, Star Excursion Balance Test (SEBT), and isokinetic torque.

Main Methods:

• A preliminary questionnaire identified injury sites in 236 potential participants.
• Eighteen male subjects (aged 21-23) with unilateral CAI were selected.
• Nine subjects (rehabilitation group, RG) underwent a 4-week program, while nine (control group, CG) did not.

Main Results:

• The RG demonstrated significant improvements in FADI, FADI-Sport scores, and ROM compared to the CG.
• The rehabilitation group also showed enhanced performance on the SEBT and greater improvements in isokinetic torque.
• These findings indicate a positive response to the targeted rehabilitation intervention.

Conclusions:

• A brief, structured rehabilitation program effectively addresses functional limitations in patients suffering from chronic ankle instability.
• The intervention positively impacts pain, balance, and strength, suggesting a comprehensive approach to CAI management.
• This study supports the implementation of short-term rehabilitation protocols for improving quality of life and athletic performance in CAI populations.