The Effect of Exercise Therapy with Heat Therapy and Cryotherapy for Patients with Ankle Sprain: A Comparative Study

Abstract

Background: Ankle sprain is one of the most common causes of pain and disability among individuals and primarily caused by with sudden twisting injury to the ankle and presents as severe pain, swelling, unable to walk with sustained amount of time leads to lack of ROM, reduced muscle strength and even functional disability. The heat therapy and cryotherapy along with conventional therapy is much helpful in regain ankle mobility, improved muscle strength and also minimize disability in early phase of recovery.

Objective: The aim of current study is to determine the effectiveness of cryotherapy therapy and heat therapy along with therapeutic exercise in ankle sprain.

Methodology: The Overall, 34 numbers of subjects with ankle sprain were selected as subjects who come under the inclusion criteria. So, total N-30 subjects were allocated into 2 groups i.e., 15 subjects in (Group A) and 15 subjects in (Group B) through simple random sampling method. Out of 30 subjects there were 12 male patients and 18 female patients. A Written Consent form was obtained from subjects after describe the intervention and its outcomes. A pre intervention assessment was done via Numerical pain rating scale (NPRS) for pain, Foot and Ankle Outcome Score [FAOS].

Group-A received exercise therapy along with heat therapy and group- B received exercise therapy along with cryotherapy. The treatment was given for 4 weeks; 5 sessions per week, 30-45 minutes/session once a day. Post intervention assessment was done after completion of 4 weeks.

Results: The data was evaluated by statistical analysis paired t test and unpaired t test was applied both groups show significant difference but group A i.e. exercise therapy along with heat therapy is associated with higher levels of improvement assessed by NPRS, FAOS. When compared to group-B which was intervened by exercise therapy along with cryotherapy.

Conclusion: There is a significant improvement in calf muscle strain after applying exercise therapy along with heat therapy