The effectiveness of imagery on pain, edema, and range of motion in athletes with a grade II ankle sprain

Objectives: To examine the effectiveness of imagery on pain, edema, and range of motion in athletes who have sustained a grade II ankle sprain. Participants: The sample consisted of 18 active male athletes, aged from 18 to 30 years, with a grade II ankle sprain, confirmed by ultrasound testing. The participants were randomly divided into two conditions: a relaxation and imagery condition (n = 9) and a control condition (n = 9). The participants in the relaxation and imagery condition received 12 individual sessions of imagery rehearsal in addition to a normal course of physiotherapy, while the participants in the control condition followed only the physiotherapy treatment. Main outcome measures: Participants were administered a Visual Analogue Scale (VAS) in order to measure acute pain intensity. Edema was evaluated with the water volumetric displacement method. Ankle range of motion (ROM) was assessed using a gonimeter. Results: The study did not show demonstrable effects on pain, edema, and ROM after the application of imagery treatment. Conclusions: Further research could examine the relationship between different types of imagery and rehabilitation from sport injury using standardized imagery instruments. (C) 2007 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.