In the realm of sports medicine, the quest for effective rehabilitation strategies following acute ankle injuries remains paramount. In 2009 a randomized trial conducted by James W Youdas and colleagues, the focus was directed towards elucidating the trajectory of recovery in active ankle dorsiflexion range of motion (AADFROM) post-inversion sprain.

The study, conducted within the confines of a sports clinic, enrolled 22 participants comprising both men and women aged between 11 and 54 years, all afflicted with acute inversion sprains. The intervention involved the implementation of a standardized home exercise program tailored specifically for acute ankle injuries.

The primary outcome measure, AADFROM with the knee extended, was diligently monitored at various time points post-injury. Notably, a significant temporal effect on AADFROM was observed (F3,57 = 108, P < .001), indicative of a dynamic recovery process.

At baseline, participants exhibited a mean active sagittal-plane motion of the ankle at 6 degrees of plantar flexion. However, intriguingly, AADFROM demonstrated a progressive improvement over the ensuing weeks. Specifically, at 2, 4, and 6 weeks post-injury, AADFROM stood at 7 degrees, 11 degrees, and 11 degrees, respectively.

The findings of this investigation are particularly noteworthy. They underscore a remarkable pattern of recovery whereby AADFROM exhibited significant increments from baseline to week 2, followed by sustained improvement up to week 4. Notably, normal AADFROM was reinstated within a relatively concise timeframe of 4 weeks post-acute inversion sprain.

In conclusion, this study offers valuable insights into the natural course of AADFROM recovery following acute ankle inversion sprains. Such knowledge holds immense implications for the formulation of targeted rehabilitation protocols aimed at expediting functional restoration and hastening return to activity among individuals afflicted with similar injuries.

Reference: Youdas, J. W., McLean, T. J., Krause, D. A., & Hollman, J. H. (2009). Changes in active ankle dorsiflexion range of motion after acute inversion ankle sprain. Journal of sport rehabilitation, 18(3), 358-374.