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.