Changes in active ankle dorsiflexion range of motion after acute inversion ankle sprain.
BACKGROUND
Posterior calf stretching is believed to improve active ankle dorsiflexion range of motion (AADFROM) after acute ankle-inversion sprain.


OBJECTIVE
To describe AADFROM at baseline (postinjury) and at 2-wk time periods for 6 wk after acute inversion sprain.


METHODS
Randomized trial.


METHODS
Sports clinic.


METHODS
11 men and 11 women (age range 11-54 y) with acute inversion sprain.


METHODS
Standardized home exercise program for acute inversion sprain.


METHODS
AADFROM with the knee extended.


RESULTS
Time main effect on AADFROM was significant (F3,57 = 108, P < .001). At baseline, mean active sagittal-plane motion of the ankle was 6 degrees of plantar flexion, whereas at 2, 4, and 6 wk AADFROM was 7 degrees, 11 degrees, and 11 degrees, respectively.


CONCLUSIONS
AADFROM increased significantly from baseline to week 2 and from week 2 to week 4. Normal AADFROM was restored within 4 wk after acute inversion sprain.
Youdas
James W
JW
Program in Physical Therapy, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, MN 55905, USA.
McLean
Timothy J
TJ
Krause
David A
DA
Hollman
John H
JH
D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D000704:Analysis of Variance; D016512:Ankle Injuries / Q000503:physiopathology / Q000534:rehabilitation*; D000843:Ankle Joint / Q000502:physiology*; D053587:Arthrometry, Articular; D001265:Athletic Injuries / Q000503:physiopathology / Q000534:rehabilitation*; D001696:Biomechanical Phenomena; D002648:Child; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D052580:Muscle Stretching Exercises; D018482:Muscle, Skeletal / Q000502:physiology; D016059:Range of Motion, Articular / Q000502:physiology*; D013997:Time Factors; D016896:Treatment Outcome; D055815:Young Adult