Author(s): LIU, Z., SONG, L., YE, J., PAN, Z. , Institution: UNIVERSITY COLLEGE LONDON, Country: UNITED KINGDOM, Abstract-ID: 2482

INTRODUCTION:
A multimodal rehabilitation programme is recommended for patients with chronic ankle instability (CAI), emphasizing joint mobility, balance, strength, and overall activity. However, current rehabilitation protocols have limitations, necessitating the selection of optimal interventions for effective and efficient management. Capacitive and Resistive Electric Transfer (CRET) is a non-invasive electrothermal therapy utilizing high-frequency electromagnetic waves to generate heat in deep muscle tissues, aiming to enhance blood circulation and tissue recovery. While CRET is commonly employed in treating muscle, bone, and tendon injuries, its efficacy in ankle injury rehabilitation lacks sufficient research. Thus, this study aims to investigate the effectiveness of combining CRET with functional training for CAI. Efficacy will be evaluated using subjective questionnaires and objective outcome measures.
METHODS:
Forty-one individuals with unilateral ankle instability were recruited and randomly assigned to one of four groups: a control group (n=10), a functional training group (n=10), a physiotherapy group (n=10), and a training plus physiotherapy group (n=11). The control group received no intervention to ensure comparability. The training plus physiotherapy and functional training groups utilised identical manoeuvres. Meanwhile, both the training plus physiotherapy group and the physiotherapy group used the capacitive mode first, followed by the resistive mode. The intervention groups received three interventions per week for a total of four weeks. Pre- and post-intervention assessments were conducted using the Ankle Joint Functional Assessment Tool (AJFAT) for subjective evaluation, along with the One Leg Standing Test (OLST), modified Star Excursion Balance Test (mSEBT), and Sargent Jump Test (SJT).
RESULTS:
(1) The study revealed significant differences (P<0.05) between training plus physiotherapy and the other groups in the disparity between AJFAT and OLST scores pre- and post-intervention. (2) Furthermore, significant differences (P<0.05) were observed between all intervention groups and the control group in the variation of mSEBT composite and SJT scores before and after the intervention. (3) Notably, all outcomes showed significant improvement post-intervention in all intervention groups (P<0.05), except for the control group, as determined by within-group comparisons.
CONCLUSION:
The innovative CRET therapy technology stands out for its ability to transfer high energy levels without substantially elevating the temperature. This unique feature enhances cell proliferation and tissue reconstruction, leading to superior treatment outcomes. When combined with four weeks of functional training, CRET therapy effectively enhances ankle function in chronic ankle instability patients. This synergistic approach proves more effective than functional training or CRET therapy alone.