title: Ankle sprains: patient perceptions of function and performance of physical tasks. A mixed methods approach.
abstract: OBJECTIVE
  To investigate patient's perceptions of function and performance of physical tasks after discharge from treatment for an ankle sprain.
  
  
  METHODS
  Using a mixed methods approach, 40 participants who presented with an acute sprained ankle and their treating clinicians completed two questionnaires related to function at the start and end of a rehabilitation programme. Additionally, participants completed the questionnaires at 6 weeks following discharge at which time they also performed physical tasks that were still perceived as difficult. Ten participants also completed a semi-structured interview.
  
  
  RESULTS
  There were no significant differences (p > 0.05) in the participant's and clinician's initial assessment of function. However, at discharge participants scored their function significantly (p < 0.05) lower than clinicians. This difference was not apparent 6 weeks later (p > 0.05). However, there was a significant difference (p  < 0.05) following actual performance of tasks with an effect size of 1.58. Participant interviews confirmed that patients had a fear of re-injury until they actually performed tasks that were perceived as difficult.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  Clinicians and participants do not have a similar perception of the recovery of an ankle sprain at discharge. Performing tasks which were perceived as difficult were valuable in assisting participants gain an improved appreciation of their function.
authors.affiliation: School of Rehabilitation and Occupation Studies, Faculty of Health and Environmental Sciences, AUT University, Auckland, 1142, New Zealand. peter.larmer@aut.ac.nz
authors.forename: Peter J
authors.initials: PJ
authors.lastname: Larmer
authors.forename: Peter J
authors.initials: PJ
authors.lastname: McNair
authors.forename: Liz
authors.initials: L
authors.lastname: Smythe
authors.forename: Maynard
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Williams
mesh_terms: D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D016512:Ankle Injuries / Q000523:psychology / Q000534:rehabilitation* / Q000628:therapy; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D007407:Interviews as Topic; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D026201:Musculoskeletal Manipulations; D017060:Patient Satisfaction; D010465:Perception; D026741:Physical Therapy Modalities; D010820:Physicians; D020127:Recovery of Function; D013180:Sprains and Strains / Q000523:psychology / Q000534:rehabilitation* / Q000628:therapy; D011795:Surveys and Questionnaires; D013647:Task Performance and Analysis; D016896:Treatment Outcome; D055815:Young Adult