Effects of two proprioceptive training programs on ankle range of motion, pain, functional and balance performance in individuals with ankle sprain.

BACKGROUND

Following ankle sprain, residual symptoms are often apparent, and proprioceptive training is a treatment approach. Evidence, however, is limited and the optimal program has to be identified.

OBJECTIVE

To investigate the effects of two post-acute supervised proprioceptive training programs in individuals with ankle sprain.

METHODS

Participants were recruited from a physiotherapy center for ankle sprain rehabilitation. In a pre-post treatment, blinded-assessor design, 22 individuals were randomly allocated to a balance or a proprioceptive neuromuscular facilitation (PNF) group. Both groups received 10 rehabilitation sessions, within a six-week period. Dorsiflexion range of motion (ROM), pain, functional and balance performance were assessed at baseline, at the end of training and eight weeks after training.

RESULTS

Follow-up data were provided for 20 individuals. Eight weeks after training, statistically significant (p< 0.017) improvements were found in dorsiflexion ROM and most functional performance measures for both balance and PNF groups. Eight weeks after training, significant (p< 0.017) improvements in the frontal plane balance test and pain were observed for the balance group.

CONCLUSIONS

Balance and PNF programs are recommended in clinical practice for improving ankle ROM and functional performance in individuals with sprain. Balance programs are also recommended for pain relief.