Effect of Stretching and Flexibility Exercises on Ankle Functional Abilities Post Ankle Fracture

Abstract: Ankle fractures are one of the most common fractures of the lower extremity, Post ankle fracture patients reported an average 30% loss of pre injury ankle function due to pain and reduced joint motion. Lower limb muscle strength deficits, gait abnormalities and resultant mobility limitations Aim: determine the effect of stretching and flexibility exercises on ankle functional abilities post ankle fracture. Design: Quasi experimental (one group pre and post intervention design) was utilized .Settings: The study was carried out at outpatient Orthopedic Clinics, El- Hadra University Hospital, Alexandria -University, Egypt. Subjects: a purposive sample of 50 adult patients with ankle closed fracture, post open reduction &internal fixation were included in the study. Tools: Four tools were used for data collection. Tool I: Sociodemographic and clinical data: structured interview schedule. Tool II: Ankle mobility index. Tool III: Ankle functional ability scale and Tool IV: Ankle pain during activities assessment scale. Results: there was significant improvement of all ankle range of motion during dorsiflexion, planter flexion, inversion& eversion among the two evaluation points. There was significant improvement in ankle muscle strength during dorsiflexion, planter flexion, inversion& eversion superiority to post eight weeks of stretching and flexibility exercises application. There was significant improvement in the studied patients' foot and ankle ability post stretching and flexibility exercises. There was a significant decrease in pain severity at rest, during bed activities performance, at sitting position, when standing. When walking, when going up stairs &when going with superiority to eight weeks of exercises application. Conclusion: The findings of this study highlight the significant impact of stretching and flexibility exercises on improving functional outcomes in patients with ankle injuries support the integration of such exercises into standard post-injury rehabilitation protocols to accelerate functional recovery and improve the quality of life for affected individuals. Recommendations: Future studies could further explore the comparative effects of different exercise modalities, durations, and intensities. Moreover, investigating the long-term sustainability of pain reduction and functional improvement post-intervention would be valuable in guiding ongoing rehabilitation protocols.