Article

PURPOSE: To investigate patient's perceptions of function and performance of
physical tasks after discharge from treatment for an ankle sprain. METHODS: Using
a mixed methods approach, 40 participants who presented with an acute sprained
ankle and their treating clinicians completed two questionnaires related to
function at the start and end of a rehabilitation programme. Additionally,
participants completed the questionnaires at 6 weeks following discharge at which
time they also performed physical tasks that were still perceived as difficult.
Ten participants also completed a semi-structured interview. RESULTS: There were
no significant differences (p > 0.05) in the participant's and clinician's
initial assessment of function. However, at discharge participants scored their
function significantly (p < 0.05) lower than clinicians. This difference was not
apparent 6 weeks later (p > 0.05). However, there was a significant difference (p
< 0.05) following actual performance of tasks with an effect size of 1.58.
Participant interviews confirmed that patients had a fear of re-injury until they
actually performed tasks that were perceived as difficult. CONCLUSIONS:
Clinicians and participants do not have a similar perception of the recovery of
an ankle sprain at discharge. Performing tasks which were perceived as difficult
were valuable in assisting participants gain an improved appreciation of their
function.

Langue : ANGLAIS