We would be very interested to see whether direct access to these
exercises, via the internet, would provide the same results. I agree that
in situations where fast access to physiotherapy is difficult; such an
approach might be particularly effective.
Overall, we found that providing patients with a DVD was a good adjunct to
printed exercise sheets. Video is certainly the best medium to highlight
the optimal speed and intensity of an exercise; factors that are important
in the acute stages of injury. Providing more accessible, multimedia
footage is perhaps the next logical step for enhancing patient compliance
and motivation during rehabilitation.
What this approach shouldn’t encourage however, is a trend towards
‘physician free’ rehabilitation. Patients who self diagnose, and opt to
initiate rehabilitation themselves may risk further damage; and as always,
initial contact with a trained clinician is essential for gaining an
accurate diagnosis. In relation, other important factors to consider when
generalising these interventions include: in this study, exercises were
initiated an average of 48 hours after injury and, until further evidence
is available; these early exercises are contraindicated in grade 3
sprains, or syndesmotic injury.
Rapid Response:
The pros and cons of internet rehabilitation
We would be very interested to see whether direct access to these
exercises, via the internet, would provide the same results. I agree that
in situations where fast access to physiotherapy is difficult; such an
approach might be particularly effective.
Overall, we found that providing patients with a DVD was a good adjunct to
printed exercise sheets. Video is certainly the best medium to highlight
the optimal speed and intensity of an exercise; factors that are important
in the acute stages of injury. Providing more accessible, multimedia
footage is perhaps the next logical step for enhancing patient compliance
and motivation during rehabilitation.
What this approach shouldn’t encourage however, is a trend towards
‘physician free’ rehabilitation. Patients who self diagnose, and opt to
initiate rehabilitation themselves may risk further damage; and as always,
initial contact with a trained clinician is essential for gaining an
accurate diagnosis. In relation, other important factors to consider when
generalising these interventions include: in this study, exercises were
initiated an average of 48 hours after injury and, until further evidence
is available; these early exercises are contraindicated in grade 3
sprains, or syndesmotic injury.
Competing interests:
None declared
Competing interests: No competing interests