View article

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 …