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Physiotherapists Approach in Lateral Ankle Sprain Rehabilitation: A Survey Study
Jente Wagemans1,2,3, Bart Dingenen4, Stefan Clockaerts5,6
1Department of Rehabilitation Sciences and Physiotherapy, University of Antwerp, Antwerp, Belgium.
Journal of Sport Rehabilitation
|April 2, 2025
Summary
Physiotherapists often rely on subjective measures like pain for lateral ankle sprain (LAS) rehabilitation. Implementing objective assessments can improve patient outcomes and return-to-sport decisions.
Area of Science:
- Sports Medicine
- Rehabilitation Science
- Physical Therapy Practice
Background:
- Lateral ankle sprain (LAS) is a common musculoskeletal injury.
- Current rehabilitation practices for LAS vary among physiotherapists.
- There is a need to understand the rationale behind exercise progression in LAS recovery.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate physiotherapists' approaches to lateral ankle sprain rehabilitation.
- To determine the rationale for exercise progression and typical exercise dosage.
- To assess the use of objective outcomes in guiding rehabilitation and return-to-sport decisions.
Main Methods:
- An online survey was distributed to physiotherapists.
- The survey included open and closed questions, and clinical vignettes.
- Data on demographics, caseload, rehabilitation dosage, and progression criteria were collected and analyzed descriptively.
Main Results:
- Ninety-six physiotherapists responded, with 23 completing all sections.
- Less than half (46%) of therapists use objective measurements for rehabilitation progress.
- Pain and ankle impairments (range of motion, muscle strength) are primary guides for progression.
Conclusions:
- Lateral ankle sprain rehabilitation progress is often determined subjectively.
- Not all impairments are consistently assessed during LAS rehabilitation.
- Physiotherapists are encouraged to integrate more objective measures into LAS rehabilitation protocols.
