Effectiveness of Low-Frequency Stimulation in Proprioceptive Neuromuscular Facilitation Techniques for Post-Ankle-Sprain Balance and Proprioception in Adults- a Randomized controlled trial

Abstract

BackgroundStretching is an important part of post-ankle-sprain rehabilitation, as well as an effective exercise for improving general ankle-joint performance. But the combination of stretching alongside muscle stimulation has not yet been extensively studied. Therefore the purpose of the present research is to compare the baseline, post- and follow-up effects of the proprioceptive neuromuscular facilitation (PNF) stretching technique combined with transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation (TENS), as compared against the effects of the PNF stretching technique alone.MethodsSixty subjects with lateral ankle sprains were selected and randomly allocated to three groups: Experimental Group One (EG 1), Experimental Group Two (EG 2), and the Control Group (CG). Subjects in EG 1 received the PNF stretching technique combined with TENS. Subjects in EG2 received the PNF stretching technique alone. Both experimental groups received these treatments for 4 weeks (4 days/week); follow-up assessments were administered in the third and fifth weeks. CG received no treatment; outcome measures alone were assessed. Outcome measures comprised pain, flexibility, proprioception, range of motion, muscle strength, physical activity, and balance. A mixed-model ANOVA was used to analyze the effects of time factors and groups on these outcome measures.ResultsThere was significant interaction (time and group), and the time effect for all the outcome measures (p < 0.05). Physical activity, dorsiflexion, and balance in the medial, lateral, anterolateral, and anteromedial directions did not show a significant difference between the groups. EG 1 showed significant improvement for all the outcome variables between pre- and post-treatment and follow-up when compared to the other groups.ConclusionsThe present study showed that a 12-session treatment program of 3 weeks’ duration that combines PNF stretching with low-frequency TENS for post-ankle sprain subjects, compared against PNF stretching alone, produced significant improvements in balance, proprioception, strength, and range of motion. The study also showed that the treatment effect was sustained even after treatment was ceased after the follow-up assessment in the fifth week.Trial Registration:Human Research Ethics Committee approval for the trial (approval no.: (ECM#2019-26)Clinical trial was also registered in the Clinical Trials Registry – ISRCTN 18013941

Effects of Different Testing Postures on Maximum Hand Grip Strength Among Healthy Male Students, Palestine Technical University, Kadoorie

“…Grip strength is influenced by several factors, including physical condition, hand dominance, and body posture [8]. Many studies have shown a positive relationship between grip strength and various anthropometric measurements [9]- [11].…”