Affiliations: [a] Laboratory of Neuromechanics, Department of Physical Education and Sport Sciences at Serres, Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, Greece | [b] Laboratory of Therapeutic Exercise and Rehabilitation, Department of Physical Education and Sport Sciences, Democritus University of Thrace, Komotini, Greece
Correspondence:
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Corresponding author: Lazaros Lazarou, Laboratory of Neuromechanics, Department of Physical Education and Sport Sciences at Serres, Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, 62110, Greece. Tel.: +30 6947 560795; E-mail: lazaroslazarou@phed-sr.auth.gr.
Abstract: BACKGROUND: After ankle sprains, therapists may use proprioceptive training programs to manage residual symptoms and reduce the risk for recurrent injuries. However, evidence on program effectiveness is limited. OBJECTIVE: To investigate effectiveness of balance and proprioceptive neuromuscular facilitation (PNF) programs in individuals with sprain. METHODS: Participants were recruited from a rehabilitation center and were randomly allocated to a balance or PNF group. Both groups received 10 training sessions, within a six-week period. Ankle position sense, isokinetic strength and EMG activity were assessed by a blinded investigator at baseline, at the end of training and eight weeks after training. Recurrent injuries were recorded 12 months after training. RESULTS: Twenty participants provided follow-up data. Eight weeks after training, significant (p< 0.017) gains were found in most strength measures for both groups, apart from dorsiflexion strength (p> 0.05). For the balance group, there were no recurrent injuries and for the PNF group the recurrent injury rate was 20%. Eight weeks after training, the balance group significantly (p< 0.017) improved plantar flexion position sense and EMG activity of peroneus longus muscle and the PNF group significantly (p< 0.017) improved EMG activity of tibialis anterior muscle. CONCLUSIONS: For individuals with sprain, balance and PNF programs are recommended for ankle strengthening. They may also be effective in reducing the risk for recurrent injuries.
