There is an increased risk for re-injury throughout the first 12 months after an acute lateral ankle sprain (LAS). Prior research has demonstrated that those with ankle sprain history have decreased Health Related Quality of Life (HRQoL). The purpose of this study is to determine the impact of supervised rehabilitation on HRQoL throughout the first 12 months post-injury.
Fifty volunteers (M:18; F:32) enrolled in a survey-based study within 1 week of the incident LAS and no associated fracture or surgery. Participants were classified into 2 groups: those who self-reported they had participated in supervised physical rehabilitation (SUP; n=31), or those who did not (NoSUP; n=19). At the 12-month follow up, participants completed an online survey that included the Short Form-8 (SF-8) questionnaire with a question asking if they had had a recurrent LAS in the past year on the affected side. Ten participants reported an additional LAS. Independent sample t-tests were used to compare the SF-8 scores of General Health, Physical Component, and Mental Component between 1) SUP and NoSUP groups, and 2) those who did or did not report or an additional LAS.
There were no significant differences between the SUP and NoSUP groups in General Health (P=0.31), Physical Component (P=0.15) or Mental Component (P=0.37) scores. Those that reported an additional ankle sprain had significantly lower General Health (LAS:50.89±10.99; No LAS:58.29±7.22; P<0.01) and Physical Component Scores (LAS:52.16±8.55; No LAS:56.41±4.96; P=0.02); but there were no differences in Mental Component scores (P=0.28).
Those with an additional LAS within 12 months of an acute injury report worse general health and physical HRQoL scores, but participation in supervised rehabilitation did not seem to affect SF-8 scores. Further research is needed to understand the role of formalized rehabilitation for LAS and how to optimize rehabilitation protocols to improve comprehensive outcomes.
Source: Ohrnberger E, Kosik KB, McCann RS, Gribble PA. The Impact of Supervised Rehabilitation and Re-Injury of Lateral Ankle Sprains on Health-Related Quality of Life in the General Population. J Athl Train. 2023;58(6S):156.
