The Effect of Low-Intensity Blood Flow Restriction Therapy on the Management of Acute Ankle Sprains

The primary objective of this study is to evaluate the feasibility of implementing BFR in the rehabilitation treatment of isolated ankle sprains as well as to evaluate the clinical benefits of BFR when compared to standard treatment. This study will evaluate the efficacy of using BFR therapy for the treatment of acute grade I and II ankle sprains. The investigators will evaluate clinical outcomes of range of motion (ROM) and strength testing of ankle dorsiflexion, plantarflexion, inversion, and eversion. This will be a small, randomized control trial study. The investigators will enroll a total of 40 participants, 20 participants will undergo standard physical therapy for isolated lateral ankle sprains and 20 participants will undergo BFR therapy for an isolated lateral ankle sprain. Patients will be randomized into control and experimental group via block randomization.

Patient specific tourniquet settings to achieve 80% occlusion. Weight- 20% of 1 rep max, 4 sets 30-15-15-15 reps with 30 second rests between sets Exercises: The first phase will focus on active and passive range of motion of the ankle as well as non-weighted concentric exercises. Phase two will progress with gastrocnemius and soleus stretches along with body weight and light resistance band concentric and eccentric exercises focusing on posterior, anterior and lateral muscle groups of the lower limb. Phase three will introduce weighted, dynamic and proprioceptive exercises.

Time from injury to to when injured ankle regains 90% plantarflexion strength compared to uninjured/contralateral side, using a dynamometer.

Pain will be assessed with the Visual Analog Pain Scale (VAS). The minimum and maximum scores are 0 and 10 respectively with higher scores meaning a worse outcome.

Range of motion of ankle dorsiflexion, plantarflexion, inversion, and eversion. It will be measured from 0 to 360 with higher scores meaning a worse outcome.

Strength testing of ankle dorsiflexion, plantarflexion, inversion, and eversion. It will be measured from 0 to 5 with higher scores meaning a better outcome.

The Foot and Ankle Ability Measure (FAAM) will be used to measure self-reported physical function. It will be measured from 0 to 116 with higher scores meaning a better outcome.

The Foot and Ankle Outcome Score (FAOS) will be used to measure self-reported physical function. It will be measured from 0 to 100% with higher scores meaning a better outcome.

Inclusion Criteria: Patients will include English speaking student athletes aged 18 and older with clinical diagnosis of an isolated grade I or II lateral ankle sprain Exclusion Criteria: History of DVT/PE, clotting disordered, peripheral arterial disease, hypertension (BP>140/90), coronary artery disease, or pregnancy