Source
Program in Physical Therapy, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, MN 55905, USA.
Abstract
CONTEXT:
Posterior calf stretching is believed to improve active ankle dorsiflexion range of motion (AADFROM) after acute ankle-inversion sprain.
OBJECTIVE:
To describe AADFROM at baseline (postinjury) and at 2-wk time periods for 6 wk after acute inversion sprain.
DESIGN:
Randomized trial.
SETTING:
Sports clinic.
PARTICIPANTS:
11 men and 11 women (age range 11-54 y) with acute inversion sprain.
INTERVENTION:
Standardized home exercise program for acute inversion sprain.
MAIN OUTCOME MEASURE:
AADFROM with the knee extended.
RESULTS:
Time main effect on AADFROM was significant (F3,57 = 108, P < .001). At baseline, mean active sagittal-plane motion of the ankle was 6 degrees of plantar flexion, whereas at 2, 4, and 6 wk AADFROM was 7 degrees, 11 degrees, and 11 degrees, respectively.
CONCLUSIONS:
AADFROM increased significantly from baseline to week 2 and from week 2 to week 4. Normal AADFROM was restored within 4 wk after acute inversion sprain.