A research-based analysis of physiotherapy management interventions of sports related acute lateral ankle sprain injuries

Abstract

Ankle sprains occur when the ligaments supporting the joint are stretched, becoming partially or completely disrupted, leading to long-term complications if not managed effectively. The research question posed was: “What are the most effective research-based physiotherapy interventions for the management of acute lateral ankle sprains in athletes?”. This was addressed using a PEO model in which the person/s (P) investigated were athletes with acute LAS. The environment (E) consisted of athletes treated with different modalities. The occupation (O) refers to the outcomes of pain, swelling, and range of motion. The focus was on athletes or persons involved in physical exercise diagnosed with a LAS in the acute rehabilitation phase, utilising one or more physiotherapy modalities, with either swelling, pain, or range of motion as outcome measures. Studies on the paediatric population published before 2012 or in a language other than English, were excluded. The six studies identified consisted of one systematic review, three randomised control trials, one case series, and one case report. The Joanna Briggs Institute Critical Appraisal Tool was utilised to critically appraise these studies. The modalities evaluated were NIN, DOT, Hydrotherapy with HRW, Mulligan MWM, and Kinesio Taping. Results indicated NIN and Hydrotherapy with HRW as effective in reducing pain. Moreover, with significant beneficial effects on swelling and ROM, Hydrotherapy with HRW was also recommended as a possible alternative intervention to RICE, specifically in the first 24 hours of rehabilitation. While the results of DOT were inconclusive, kinesio taping was not found to be an effective treatment. The use of MC MWM requires further research, after a qualitative study revealed positive rehabilitative effects. Future studies should explore the effects of NIN on ROM and swelling, investigate longer applications of DOT, and determine the effects of kinesio taping on pain and ROM in acute sports LAS.