Affiliations: [a] Physical Therapy Department, Technological Educational
Institute, Athens, Greece | [b] School of Biomedical Sciences, University of Leeds,
Leeds LS2 9JT, UK
Note: [] Address for correspondence: Dr. R.W. Soames, School of
Biomedical Sciences, University of Leeds, Leeds, LS2 9JT, UK. E-mail:
r.w.soames@leeds.ac.uk
Abstract: Isokinetic range of motion (ISORoM) and peak torque (PT) at the
ankle joint were examined in 37 patients, in two different knee positions
(extended and flexed at 90°), six months following
Lateral Collateral Ligament (LCL) trauma: 2nd and 3rd degree sprains had been
sustained by 18 and 19 patients respectively. Patients were immobilized for six
weeks in a plaster-of-Paris cast, with 3rd degree sprains undergoing surgical
repair prior to immobilization: all patients followed the same physical therapy
regime designed to regain full range of motion by mobilizing the joint,
strengthen the muscles and improve proprioception. Significant differences
(p < 0.01) in ISORoM were observed between the injured and noninjured ankle
for each group, with those with 3rd degree sprains also showing a significant
reduction (p < 0.01) in ISORoM compared with 2nd degree sprains. No
differences were found in PT generation during concentric and eccentric
contractions for both muscle groups. Measurement of the ISORoM and muscular
strength, following LCL trauma, appears to be a useful tool in clinical
evaluation and treatment planning.
