The primary objective of this study is to evaluate the feasibility of implementing BFR in the rehabilitation treatment of isolated ankle sprains as well as to evaluate the clinical benefits of BFR when compared to standard treatment. This study will evaluate the efficacy of using BFR therapy for the treatment of acute grade I and II ankle sprains. The investigators will evaluate clinical outcomes of range of motion (ROM) and strength testing of ankle dorsiflexion, plantarflexion, inversion, and eversion. This will be a small, randomized control trial study. The investigators will enroll a total of 40 participants, 20 participants will undergo standard physical therapy for isolated lateral ankle sprains and 20 participants will undergo BFR therapy for an isolated lateral ankle sprain. Patients will be randomized into control and experimental group via block randomization.
Study Type
INTERVENTIONAL
Allocation
RANDOMIZED
Purpose
TREATMENT
Masking
SINGLE
Exercise with Blood Flow Restriction
Exercise without Blood Flow Restriction
VUMC
Nashville, Tennessee, United States
Time to Return to Play
Time from injury to to when injured ankle regains 90% plantarflexion strength compared to uninjured/contralateral side, using a dynamometer.
Time frame: From Time of Injury to 8 weeks after Injury
Pain Level
Pain will be assessed with the Visual Analog Pain Scale (VAS). The minimum and maximum scores are 0 and 10 respectively with higher scores meaning a worse outcome.
Time frame: Initial visit & 1, 2, 4, and 8 weeks after the initial visit
Range of Motion
Range of motion of ankle dorsiflexion, plantarflexion, inversion, and eversion. It will be measured from 0 to 360 with higher scores meaning a worse outcome.
Time frame: Initial visit & 1, 2, 4, and 8 weeks after the initial visit
Strength Testing
Strength testing of ankle dorsiflexion, plantarflexion, inversion, and eversion. It will be measured from 0 to 5 with higher scores meaning a better outcome.
Time frame: Initial visit & 1, 2, 4, and 8 weeks after the initial visit
The Foot and Ankle Ability Measure (FAAM) Patient-Reported Score
The Foot and Ankle Ability Measure (FAAM) will be used to measure self-reported physical function. It will be measured from 0 to 116 with higher scores meaning a better outcome.
Time frame: Initial visit & 1, 2, 4, and 8 weeks after the initial visit
Foot and Ankle Outcome Score (FAOS) Patient-Reported Score
The Foot and Ankle Outcome Score (FAOS) will be used to measure self-reported physical function. It will be measured from 0 to 100% with higher scores meaning a better outcome.
Time frame: Initial visit & 1, 2, 4, and 8 weeks after the initial visit
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