Physical Therapy in Sport
Volume 8, Issue 3 , Pages 130-140, August 2007

The effectiveness of imagery on pain, edema, and range of motion in athletes with a grade II ankle sprain

Department of Physical Education and Sports Science, University of Athens, 41 Ethnikis Antistaseos str., 172 37 Dafne, Athens, Greece

Received 16 February 2006; received in revised form 21 March 2007; accepted 27 March 2007.

Abstract 

Objectives

To examine the effectiveness of imagery on pain, edema, and range of motion in athletes who have sustained a grade II ankle sprain.

Participants

The sample consisted of 18 active male athletes, aged from 18 to 30 years, with a grade II ankle sprain, confirmed by ultrasound testing. The participants were randomly divided into two conditions: a relaxation and imagery condition (n=9) and a control condition (n=9). The participants in the relaxation and imagery condition received 12 individual sessions of imagery rehearsal in addition to a normal course of physiotherapy, while the participants in the control condition followed only the physiotherapy treatment.

Main outcome measures

Participants were administered a Visual Analogue Scale (VAS) in order to measure acute pain intensity. Edema was evaluated with the water volumetric displacement method. Ankle range of motion (ROM) was assessed using a goniometer.

Results

The study did not show demonstrable effects on pain, edema, and ROM after the application of imagery treatment.

Conclusions

Further research could examine the relationship between different types of imagery and rehabilitation from sport injury using standardized imagery instruments.

Keywords: Imagery, Pain, Edema, Range of motion, Ankle sprain

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PII: S1466-853X(07)00048-X

doi:10.1016/j.ptsp.2007.03.005

Physical Therapy in Sport
Volume 8, Issue 3 , Pages 130-140, August 2007

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