Conclusions The main findings from this systematic review were balance training provided the most consistent improvements in self-reported function for patients with CAI
Objective To identify which therapeutic intervention may be most effective for improving self-reported function in patients with chronic ankle instability ( CAI ) .
A randomized controlled trial of a passive accessory joint mobilization on acute ankle inversion sprains.
BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE Passive joint mobilization is commonly used by physical therapists as an intervention for acute ankle inversion sprains . A r and omized controlled trial with blinded assessors was conducted to investigate the effect of a specific joint mobilization , the anteroposterior glide on the talus , on increasing pain-free dorsiflexion and 3 gait variables : stride speed ( gait speed ) , step length , and single support time . SUBJECTS Forty-one subjects with acute ankle inversion sprains ( < 72 hours ) and no other injury to the lower limb entered the trial . METHODS Subjects were r and omly assigned to 1 of 2 treatment groups . The control group received a protocol of rest , ice , compression , and elevation ( RICE ) . The experimental group received the anteroposterior mobilization , using a force that avoided incurring any increase in pain , in addition to the RICE protocol . Subjects in both groups were treated every second day for a maximum of 2 weeks or until the discharge criteria were met , and all subjects were given a home program of continued RICE application . Outcomes were measured before and after each treatment . RESULTS The results showed that the experimental group required fewer treatment sessions than the control group to achieve full pain-free dorsiflexion . The experimental group had greater improvement in range of movement before and after each of the first 3 treatment sessions . The experimental group also had greater increases in stride speed during the first and third treatment sessions . DISCUSSION AND CONCLUSION Addition of a talocrural mobilization to the RICE protocol in the management of ankle inversion injuries necessitated fewer treatments to achieve pain-free dorsiflexion and to improve stride speed more than RICE alone . Improvement in step length symmetry and single support time was similar in both groups
Conclusions The main findings from this systematic review were balance training provided the most consistent improvements in self-reported function for patients with CAI
Objective To identify which therapeutic intervention may be most effective for improving self-reported function in patients with chronic ankle instability ( CAI ) .