Comparison of the Effect of 8 Weeks of Training in Water and Land Environment on Pain and Range of Motion of Athletes with Acute Ankle Sprain: A Semi-Experimental Study

Sprain is one of the most common sports injuries of the ankle. The aim of this research was to compare the effect of 8 weeks of training in water and dry environment on pain and range of motion of athletes with acute ankle sprain.

The present study is a quasi-experimental study, in which 30 soccer players with acute ankle sprain were selected as subjects and then randomly divided in two groups, water and land training groups. They were compared before and after 8 weeks of training intervention. To measure pain, the VAS (Visual Analog Scale) was used, and the range of motion of the ankle was measured using a universal goniometer in four directions. Data were analyzed using two-way repeated measure ANOVA. 

Both protocols reduced the pain in the injured players' ankles (p<0.001). The results showed that the interaction between group and time was significant, and in the water group, pain reduction was greater (p<0.001). The ankle range of motion significantly increased in both groups (p<0.001). The improvement rate of pain variable in the water exercise group (62%) was higher than the dry group (50%).

Considering the effect of water and land exercises and the significance of time and group interaction, it is recommended to use water exercise or a combination of water and land exercise to rehabilitate acute ankle sprains.