EFFECT OF PROPRIOCEPTION REHABILITATION IN ANKLE SPRAIN: SYSTEMIC REVIEW

BACKGROUND Ankle sprain is one of the most frequent musculoskeletal injuries affecting all age groups. Exercises play an important role to improve joint proprioception and coordination after ankle sprain but the efficacy is still unknown. A systematic review in accordance with PRISMA was performed to evaluate the effects of proprioception rehabilitation for ankle sprains. METHODS Thirteen articles and one review were searched up to March 2012. Randomized controlled trials of ankle sprain were included while postural sway index and pain were the reported outcomes. An analysis was performed based on intervention type, grade of sprain, and control group. Moreover, a sensitivity analysis was also conducted with respect to risk of bias, sample size, and result reported. RESULTS 1020 participants included in the review reported marked improvement when compared with other interventions. Risk Ratio (RR) <01, CI 95% was considered low risk of bias. The studies included showed low risk of bias but the benefit of proprioceptive rehabilitation remained significant. Results also revealed proprioception as an add on treatment also improved global symptoms as compared to primary group alone. It was noticed that no study shown adverse effect. CONCLUSIONS Rehabilitation for proprioception is equally effective in improving static and dynamic balance in ankle sprain as a primary intervention and add-on.