Abstract
A sprained ankle is a common musculoskeletal sports injury and it is often treated by immobilization of the joint. Despite the beneficial effects of this therapeutic measure, the high prevalence of residual symptoms affects the quality of life, and remobilization of the joint can reverse this situation. The aim of this study was to analyze the effects of immobilization and remobilization on the ankle joint of Wistar rats. Eighteen male rats had their right hindlimb immobilized for 15 days, and were divided into the following groups: G1, immobilized; G2, remobilized freely for 14 days; and G3, remobilized by swimming and jumping in water for 14 days, performed on alternate days, with progression of time and a series of exercises. The contralateral limb was the control. After the experimental period, the ankle joints were processed for microscopic analysis. Histomorphometry did not show any significant differences between the control and immobilized/remobilized groups and members, in terms of number of chondrocytes and thickness of the articular cartilage of the tibia and talus. Morphological analysis of animals from G1 showed significant degenerative lesions in the talus, such as exposure of the subchondral bone, flocculation, and cracks between the anterior and mid-regions of the articular cartilage and the synovial membrane. Remobilization by therapeutic exercise in water led to recovery in the articular cartilage and synovial membrane of the ankle joint when compared with free remobilization, and it was shown to be an effective therapeutic measure in the recovery of the ankle joint.
Highlights
A sprained ankle is the most common musculoskeletal sports injury [1], and it is estimated that one occurs each day per 10,000 people [2], with a peak incidence between 20 and 30 years of age, predominantly in men [3]
Remobilization by therapeutic exercise in water led to recovery in the articular cartilage and synovial membrane of the ankle joint when compared with free remobilization, and it was shown to be an effective therapeutic measure in the recovery of the ankle joint
In relation to body weight, there was no significant difference between groups in any evaluation
Summary
A sprained ankle is the most common musculoskeletal sports injury [1], and it is estimated that one occurs each day per 10,000 people [2], with a peak incidence between 20 and 30 years of age, predominantly in men [3]. According to Lamb et al [10], the immobilization of damaged synovial joints reduces pain when compared to other therapeutic treatments. When it is performed in the knee joint, this may adversely affect bone and muscle composition, the blood supply of the immobilized segment, and even joint structure [11,12]. Bedi et al [14] stated that these injuries, associated with degenerative arthritis, if handled incorrectly can cause debilitating joint pain and dysfunction
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