REHABILITATION OF ATHLETES’ ANKLE FRACTURES USING KINESIOTHERAPY AND AEROBIC GYMNASTICS

Abstract

The current study aims to highlight the efficiency of combining kinesiotherapy and aerobic gymnastics means in the rehabilitation of ankle fractures, in case of a soccer player. The purpose of this paper was to regain joint mobility, to increase muscle strength and to reintegrate the athlete in soccer-specific practices. The following tests were applied to the subject: joint assessment, muscle testing and evaluation of gait spatial-temporal variables. In the first rehabilitation stage (the first four months) the kinesiotherapy-specific means were applied, and then, for a month, an aerobic gymnastics program was used. After applying the rehabilitation program, we found that the movement degrees in ankle joint increased significantly, as follows: in dorsal flexion from 6º initially, to 19º finally and in plantar flexion from 12º initially, to 28º finally. In addition, muscle strength had a favourable evolution, increasing from minimal values of 2 and 2.5, respectively, at the initial evaluation, to 3.5, 4.5 and 5 at the final one. Concerning the evolution of stride rate, it is worth noting an increase of 43 steps/minute, a progress of 32 cm in step length and an improvement of movement speed. Hence, we highlight the idea that the kinesiotherapy means led to the elimination of motor deficit and to regaining gait, and those specific to aerobic gymnastics led to an increase in sustained exercise capacity and an improvement of joint stability and muscle strength.

Keywords

• reintegration
• sporting activity
• gait re-education
• rehabilitation