Effects of positioning on ankle edema.

The purpose of this study was to determine the effects of positioning on ankle edema during a 20-minute treatment period. Fifty subjects were alternately assigned to one of two groups. Members of group A lay supine with their legs elevated, group B subjects sat with their legs dependent. Pre- and postpositioning volumetric displacements were recorded to determine if a significant change occurred. Analysis of covariance testing showed significant volumetric difference between groups (p < 0.001). Group A had a significant decrease in volume whereas group B had a significant increase in volume. The results of this study suggest that physical therapists and athletic trainers should no longer attempt to reduce edema with high voltage electrical stimulation while their patients sit with their legs dependent. J Orthop Sports Phys The 1986;8(1):30-33.

RCT Entities:   Population Interventions Outcomes