EXERCISE after ANKLE SPRAIN BEST

An accelerated exercise protocol during the first week after ankle sprain improves ankle function, with the group receiving the intervention being more active during that week than the group receiving standard care, say authors of an article published May 10 in BMJ.

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ARTICLE ABSTRACT

May 31, 2010 10:05 AM - An accident and emergency department and a university-based sports injury clinic served as the study's setting. Participants were 101 patients with an acute grade 1 or 2 ankle sprain.

Participants were randomized to an accelerated intervention with early exercise or a standard protection, rest, ice, compression, and elevation intervention. The primary outcome was subjective ankle function. Secondary outcomes were pain at rest and on activity, swelling, and physical activity

An overall treatment effect was in favor of the exercise group. Activity level was significantly higher in the exercise group as measured by time spent walking, step count, and time spent in light intensity activity. The groups did not differ at any other time point for pain at rest, pain on activity, or swelling. The re-injury rate was 4% (2 in each group).

If you want to learn more about ankle sprains or accelerate your recovery as noted in the exercise group, contact any of ECRC's offices. Physician referral not required.