Comparing Ankle Muscle Power Program to Standard Rehabilitation for Recovery After Ankle Fracture A Study on Effectiveness and Feasibility in Adults Aged 18 to 50

What this Trial Is About

Researchers are evaluating two different standardized physical therapy rehabilitation programs for adults aged 18 to 50 who have had an ankle fracture requiring surgical fixation. The study aims to see if adding an ankle muscle power AMP exercise program improves muscle function, physical performance, program adherence, and patient-reported outcomes compared to standard rehabilitation alone. This includes assessing ankle muscle power, rate of torque development, joint power during walking and stair climbing, and quality of life after the intervention. Participants will be randomly assigned to either the AMP program alongside standard care or to the standard care program alone. The AMP program involves three stages of muscle power training exercises added to usual rehabilitation, starting about 12 weeks after surgery and lasting up to 12 weeks with an average of three visits per week. The standard care group receives usual physical therapy including range of motion exercises, foundational strength training, and other treatments as directed by their therapist. Participants will be assessed at the start of the study and after completing the 10 to 12 week intervention for outcomes such as adherence to the program, treatment fidelity, retention, muscle power, gait speed, stair climb performance, and patient-reported quality of life measures. Additional exploratory outcomes will be assessed three months after intervention completion to understand longer-term effects. The study includes careful monitoring and evaluation of physical performance and patient satisfaction throughout the rehabilitation process.

Efficacy and Clinical Feasibility of the Ankle Muscle Power (AMP) Program for Return to Duty After an Ankle Fracture