EVALUATING THE OF TREATMENT OUTCOMES FOR ANKLE SPRAINS USING COMBINED ELECTROACUPUNCTURE COMBINED WITH EXTRACORPOREAL SHOCKWAVE THERAPY
Main Article Content
Abstract
Objective: To evaluate the effectiveness of electroacupuncture combined with extracorporeal shockwave therapy (ESWT) in treating acute ankle sprain.
Subjects and methods: A prospective, matched-pair randomized controlled clinical trial was conducted on 60 patients with grade I – II ankle sprains, allocated into an intervention group (electroacupuncture for 10 days plus ESWT on D0, D5, D10, and RICE) and a control group (RICE). Pain (VAS), ankle range of motion (ROM), and MAQ scores were assessed on D0, D5, and D10. Data were analyzed using appropriate statistical tests, and statistical significance was set at p<0,05.
Results: Both groups showed progressive pain reduction; the intervention group exhibited significantly greater improvement on D5 (p<0,05), with comparable pain levels to the control group by D10. Dorsiflexion and plantarflexion ROM improved more markedly in the intervention group at D5 and D10 (p<0,05). MAQ scores increased significantly in both groups, with the intervention group achieving higher functional recovery; the proportion of Good outcomes was 63.3% versus 16.7% in the control group (p<0,01).
Conclusion: Electroacupuncture combined with ESWT provides superior improvements in pain, ankle mobility, and functional recovery compared with RICE alone, especially in the early rehabilitation phase.
Article Details
References
2. Al Bimani SA, Gates LS, Warner M, Ewings S, Crouch R, Bowen C. Characteristics of patients with ankle sprain presenting to an emergency department in the south of England (UK): A seven-month review. Int Emerg Nurs, 2018, 41, pp.38–44.
3. Waterman BR, Owens BD, Davey S, Zacchilli MA, Belmont PJ. The Epidemiology of Ankle Sprains in the United States. J Bone Jt Surg, 2010, 92(13), pp.2279–84.
4. Heitz NA, Eisenman PA, Beck CL, Walker JA. Hormonal changes throughout the menstrual cycle and increased anterior cruciate ligament laxity in females. J Athl Train, 1999, 34(2), pp.144–9.
5. Bleakley CM, McDonough SM, MacAuley DC, Bjordal J. Cryotherapy for acute ankle sprains: a randomised controlled study of two different icing protocols. Br J Sports Med, 2006, 40(8), pp.700–5, discussion 705.
6. Wu, Z. S. Bloodletting therapy for the acute ankle sprain: clinical research and clinical evaluation [刺络放⾎治疗急性踝关节扭伤的临床研究及疗效评价], Master’s Thesis, Beijing University of Chinese Medicine, Beijing, China, 2007.
7. Chen, B., Wang, X., Gao, N-Y., Lin, X., Chen, Y-C., Li, L-H., et al. Clinical observation on Tuina manipulation for ankle sprain in Wushu athletes [推拿⼿法治疗武术运动员踝关节扭挫伤临床疗效观察]. Shanghai J Tradit Chin Med, 2012, 46(8), pp.56–8.
8. American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons. Sprained ankle. OrthoInfo. Available as: https://orthoinfo.aaos.org/en/diseases--conditions/sprained-ankle, accessed October 29th, 2025.
9. Zhang R, Lao L, Ren K, Berman BM. Mechanisms of Acupuncture–Electroacupuncture on Persistent Pain. Anesthesiology, 2014, 120(2), pp.482–503.
10. Chen T, Zhang WW, Chu YX, Wang YQ. Acupuncture for Pain Management: Molecular Mechanisms of Action. Am J Chin Med, 2020, 48(4), pp.793–811.
11. Liu S, Chen Q, Zhang Q, Tao K, Li C, Chang B, et al. Electroacupuncture combined with extracorporeal shock wave therapy improves pain symptoms and inflammatory factor levels in knee osteoarthritis patients. Heliyon, 2023, 9(10), e20771.