Patient-Perceived Improvement Following Lateral Ankle Sprain

Abstract

Background and Aims: Lateral ankle sprain is a common musculoskeletal injury that can result in long-term complications. While objective measures are commonly used to assess recovery, patient-perceived improvement also is important to measure recovery status and readiness for a safe return to normal activities. This study aimed to measure patient-perceived improvement following a lateral ankle sprain over an 8-week period using the Global Rating of Change (GROC) scale. Methods: Thirty participants with lateral ankle sprain were recruited. Demographic data were recorded. Participants completed the GROC, Single leg hop test (SLHT) and heel raise (HR), at 4 weeks and 8 weeks post-injury. Statistical analysis compared the difference of GROC scores over time, and the relationship between GROC change score, SLHT change score and HR change score. Results: A significant increase in participants’ perceptions of their improvement from Week 4 to Week 8 post-injury (Z ≤ -4.79, p < 0.001, with a 95% CI of [4.5, 6] and large effect size (r) ≤ 0.62). A moderate correlation was found between the GROC change score and the SLHT change score (ρ≤0.42, p≤0.021). A weak, non-significant correlation was observed between the GROC change score and the Heel Raise change score (ρ≤0.16, p≤0.39). Conclusion: The GROC scale effectively captures patient-perceived improvement following lateral ankle sprain. A moderate correlation between the GROC and functional performance (SLHT) suggest that increases in dynamic function are related with subjective improvement. Therefore, monitoring patient-perceived improvement may support clinicians in their decision-making during rehabilitation.

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