Effect of Postoperative Intensive Rehabilitation on Ankle Function Recovery in Patients with Chronic Ankle Instability / 대한스포츠의학회지

ABSTRACT

PURPOSE: This study aimed to investigate the effect of hospital-based intensive rehabilitation program after ankle ligament operation.METHODS: A total of 35 patients were included in this randomized controlled trial. Fifty-minute sessions of hospital-based rehabilitation were performed three times weekly for 12 weeks in the intervention group. Home-based exercise was conducted in the control group. Outcomes were evaluated at baseline, 12 weeks, and 16 weeks. The primary outcome was measured using the Foot and Ankle Outcome Score (FAOS). Secondary outcomes included the American Orthopedic Foot and Ankle Society (AOFAS) score, ankle strength measured using an isokinetic device, fall index measured using a Tetrax posturography device, and the Berg Balance Scale.RESULTS: Significant improvements in FAOS, AOFAS, ankle strength, and fall index were found in the intervention group after performing the hospital-based rehabilitation (all p<0.05) and these improvements were sustained at T2 (all p<0.05). Between-group comparisons demonstrated significantly greater improvements in FAOS, AOFAS, ankle strength, and fall index in the intervention group than those in the control group at both T1 (all p<0.05), and T2 (all p<0.05).CONCLUSION: The rehabilitation program in this study improved postoperative pain, sports function, quality of life, and strength and balance of the ankle significantly better than home-based self-care. Therefore, we recommend hospital-based systematic rehabilitation programs after surgical treatment for chronic ankle instability.