Annals of Applied Sport Science

Background. Treatment options for lateral ankle sprains continue to evolve as advances are made in terms of techniques and materials.
Objectives. This study was performed to evaluate clinical outcomes and satisfaction between two immobilization materials, semi-rigid cast, and elastic bandages.
Methods. This study was a non-randomized controlled study. Fifty-four patients have undergone immobilization for their sprained ankle and divided into two groups according to the material selection. There were 27 patients in each group. VAS score, Karlsson score, satisfaction scale, and presence of later ankle instability was obtained. Standard descriptive measurement, independent samples t-test, and chi-square test were used for statistical analysis.
Results. The mean age was 25.29 ± 6.04 years old. Sports injury was accounted for 27 patients (50%), followed by internal damage (24 patients; 44.4%). VAS and Karlsson's scores were taken and validated by authors and significantly better in semi-rigid cast groups compared with the elastic bandage group in the first week and second-week follow-up. No significant differences in overall satisfaction and ankle stability after one year.
Conclusion. This study showed that the application of semi-rigid cast yielded quicker recovery in patients with ankle sprain without any decline in satisfaction scale. Therefore, a semi-rigid cast could be preferred over elastic bandage for acute ankle sprains.

Background. Band exercise can also reduce back pain by reducing unnecessary movement of the thoracic and cervical vertebrae adjacent to the lumbar spine. Looking at previous studies, activation of the deep lumbar muscles of the lumbar spine and restoration of mobility of the adjacent skeleton have a positive effect on pain relief.
Objectives. This study was to investigate the effects of self-fascial relaxation, stretching, and spinal mobility exercises using foam rollers and elastic bands on elderly women's back pain, pain disability index, and spinal joint mobility.
Methods. This study was performed on elderly women (65-75years) who had no surgical experience within one year, had more than one clinical result due to back pain, and maintained pain for more than 6 months. The subjects who participated in the study were divided into groups, group exercising with foam rollers and elastic bands, group B exercising without foam rollers and elastic bands, and a control. To see the effects of pain-related exercise, we assessed the subjects with the visual analog scale (VAS), Oswestry disability index (ODI), spinal flexion, and the range of spinal left and right joint rotation movement.
Results. the decrease in VAS (F = 9.976, p = .001,η² = .487) and ODI(F = 4.978, p = .017,η² = .322) was observed in all groups participating in the experiment, and the value of experimental group A using foam roller and elastic band decreased the most. As can be seen from the results of Experimental Group A, where the bending and stiffness of the spine were statistically significantly increased.
Conclusion. According to the significant result of A, the use of elastic bands and foam rollers is considered to be effective in improving chronic back pain and mobility of the spine.