Volunteers sought for UQ ankle study

The University of Queensland is seeking people aged 18 to 40 with ankle sprain to participate in a new study.

Project supervisor and senior lecturer in UQ`s Department of Physiotherapy Dr Bill Vicenzino said ankle sprain was an underestimated community problem.

"Ankle sprains are common, with 60 percent of the population experiencing a sprain and an incredible 40 percent of all these ankle sprains become recurrent and problematic," he said.

"The reason for this high rate is not known. Previous researchers have looked at the late stage of recurrent problematic ankle sprains and their findings are inconclusive.

"In a bid to improve our understanding of recurrent and ongoing ankle sprains, we are currently studying a cross section of people with ankle injuries ranging from acute to chronic problematic sprains, as well as normal ankles for comparison purposes."

Dr Vicenzino said the study would evaluate ankle sprain mechanisms by comparing differences in ankle function tests such as the range of ankle motion, sensory-motor function and functional activities following ankle injury.

Participants will be required to attend the Department at UQ St Lucia for one session lasting around one and half hours.

For more information please contact Richard Yang (PhD Candidate) on telephone: office: 07 3365 4567 or email: ankle_study@yahoo.com.au

Media: For further information, contact Dr Bill Vicenzino (telephone 07 3365 2781, email: b.vicenzino@shrs.uq.edu.au).