Effect of Proprioceptive Training on Fear of Re-Injury and Functional Performance in Athletes with Lateral Ankle Sprain (LAS)

Abstract

Introduction Lateral ankle sprain LAS is most frequently accounted musculoskeletal injury characterized by pain swelling and tenderness on the lateral aspect of ankle joint that is caused due to excessive inversion of foot at a high velocity which can lead to loss of function decrease movement and painful limping. The injury also has impact on psychological and physiological aspects that can further affect decrease physical activity thus leading to functional instability.Materials and methods A total of 30 male subjects within the age group of 18-35 years with the history of lateral ankle sprain more than once on the same limb positive talar and anterior drawer test were assigned randomly in two groups after fulfilling the inclusion and exclusion criteria. They participated in 4 weeks of intervention for 3 times a week in focus to fear of re-injury and functional performance. Experimental group performed strengthening exercise with proprioceptive training while control group performed only strengthening exercises. Tampa scale of kinesiophobia TSK functional performance tests FPT and visual analog scale VAS were used to assess fear of re-injury functional performance and pain respectively prior and post treatment.Results Proprioceptive training with strengthening exercises and strengthening exercises only on fear of re-injury and functional performance in athletes with LAS showed statistically significant improvement individually within both the group plt0.001 and while comparing in between the groups plt0.05.Conclusion Study showed improvement in both the groups. Statistical analysis indicated that subjects who received strengthening exercises with proprioceptive training was more effective than strengthening exercises onlyTake home message Any ligament injuries especially lateral ligament of ankle that undergoes recurrent injuries should be assessed about mechanical and psychological aspect of athlete which also can be addressed by incorporating graded forms of proprioceptive and strengthening exercises in rehabilitation.