Ankle sprains: patient perceptions of function and performance of physical tasks. A mixed methods approach

Abstract

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.

Keywords:

• Ankle sprain
• outcome measures
• patient perception
• outcome questionnaires
• mixed methods

Acknowledgement

Peter Larmer (Primary author) received scholarship funding to undertake this study as part of his doctoral research from the New Zealand Society of Physiotherapists.