Efficacy of Combination Therapy in Rehabilitation of Ankle Injuries
Davor Arslanagić
SUMMARY
The ankle joint is one of the most complex anatomical and functional structures of the locomotor system. Recent research on lower limb injuries indicates that ankle joint sprains have the highest incidence rate, with 206 injuries per 100,000 people annually. These injuries occur most frequently among children and adolescents. The most common ankle injuries in sports are sprains (15%), followed by lesions and contusions.
The aim of this study was to determine the effectiveness of combination therapy (kinesitherapy and physical therapy) compared to a single therapy in the treatment of ankle injuries. The study included 60 subjects treated between February 2012 and November 2014.
The obtained results showed statistically significant differences between the groups. The rehabilitation period most frequently lasted between 11 and 20 days in both groups, while ultrasound therapy was used in 81.8% of cases. According to the VAS pain scale, 36.7% of respondents in the experimental group reported “no pain” at the end of treatment, compared to 28.3% in the control group.
At the end of therapy, 5% of the experimental group achieved dorsal flexion values between 26° and 30°, while none of the control group achieved these values. Similar results were observed for plantar flexion. In pronation, 33.3% of respondents in both groups achieved values between 26° and 30°, although the control group had a higher proportion of subjects with values above 30°. In supination, 43.3% of respondents in both groups achieved values above 30°.
The results indicate better rehabilitation outcomes in patients treated with combination therapy, which is consistent with findings reported in other research studies.
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