Akbari M, Ebrahimi Takamjani I, Sadeghi E. Comparison of Functional Ankle Brace and Short-leg Casting effect on Gait Variables in Treatment of Grade II, III Lateral Ankle Sprains. RJMS 2004; 11 (41) :377-383
URL:
http://rjms.iums.ac.ir/article-1-25-en.html
Abstract: (8331 Views)
People with acute ankle sprains walk slowly and take smaller steps because of having pain, swelling and limited range of motion. While inversion ankle sprains are one of the most frequently occurring injuries among athletes and physically active people, the optimal method of treatment is still controversial. Various treatment plans for the management of acute ankle injuries have been categorized in two main methods, early mobilization and immobilization. The present study was designed to clinically investigate the effects of early mobilization by using ankle brace versus immobilization by applying short-leg casting, through measuring 3 gait variables: stride speed(gait-speed), contra lateral step length, and single leg support time. It was also conducted to investigate whether treatment method decreases pain and improves range of motion. 30 subjects suffering from unilateral ankle sprain selected by convenience sampling were recruited in the study and randomly allocated into two groups of 15. The first group received ankle brace and the second one received cast immobilization. After 3 weeks, motion controlling methods finished and the first test from cases was taken. Then, cases were referred to the physiotherapy service to receive 10-session treatment. After physiotherapy, both groups were tested for the second time and measurements of two groups were compared. Results of student’s t-test showed no significant difference between groups in both pre-test and post-test however, results of paired t-test showed a significant difference between pre-test and post-test in casting group. In brace group this difference was not significant. The results indicated that brace group members reached better gait variables before physiotherapy and, therefore, goals of rehabilitation was reached earlier.
Type of Study:
Research |
Subject:
Physiotherapy