The relative effectiveness of muscle energy technique compared to manipulation in the treatment of chronic stable ankle inversion sprains

Abstract

An inversion ankle sprain can be defined as an injury caused by landing forcefully on an inverted, plantarflexed and internally rotated foot. This results in the fibres of the surrounding ligaments to become ruptured without disturbing the continuity of the ligament. Chronic stable ankle sprains was defined as the recurrent giving way of the ankle and there may be residual pain and swelling with no mechanical instability.

According to literature, mechanisms involved in the development of chronic ankle sprains are: the lack of appropriate and early immobilization in severe cases, the development of scar tissue, lack of strengthening exercises or the development of hypermobility.

Many treatments have been suggested to address these factors and would include: peripheral manipulation of the ankle joint, Muscle Energy Technique, muscle strengthening and stretching, proprioceptive training and deep transverse friction massage. Of the above mentioned treatments, Muscle Energy Technique has not been researched in a clinical setting for the treatment of chronic stable ankle inversion sprains.

Therefore the purpose of this study was to investigate the relative effectiveness of Muscle Energy Technique compared to Manipulation in the treatment of chronic stable ankle inversion sprains.