Exercise or advice after ankle fractures (EXACT)

To investigate the effectiveness and cost-effectiveness of rehabilitation in addition to simple advice in patients after immobilisation for ankle fracture.

Method

The study is a randomised controlled trial comparing rehabilitation, consisting of exercises prescribed by the physiotherapist, in addition to one session of simple advice in patients after ankle fracture after the period of immobilisation.

Three types of exercises are prescribed – ankle mobility and strengthening exercises, stepping exercises, and exercises involving weight bearing and balancing on the affected leg.

Participants in the rehabilitation group receive about five treatments (one or two treatment sessions in the first week then one session per week for the next three weeks).

Treatment efficacy outcome will be measured at one month, three and six months.

Participants are recruited from Royal North Shore Hospital, Royal Prince Alfred Hospital, Prince of Wales Hospital, Ryde Hospital, Blacktown-Mount Druitt Hospital, Hornsby Ku-ring-gai Hospital and Mona Vale Hospital.

Analysis

214 participants were recruited. Follow up assessments were completed in July 2014. The statistical analysis plan was finalised on 30 July 2014. Analysis is underway.