Not yet recruitingNAINTERVENTIONAL

Early Virtual Ankle Rehabilitation (EVAR): Acceptability

This study, called EVAR, wants to understand how people with a broken ankle feel about getting physiotherapy support. We're comparing video calls at home with face-to-face appointments at the hospital. All participants will get the same physiotherapy exercises, starting about two weeks after surgery. The main goals are to find out if people are happy with video call physiotherapy during early recovery and if it's practical to do a larger study on this approach. We'll ask about 21 to 30 adults who've had ankle surgery to take part. The results will help us see if video call physiotherapy is a good way to help people recover and if we should explore it further.

At a glance

Status

Not yet recruiting

Phase

Sponsor

University of Nottingham

Enrolment target

Start

22 Jul 2026

Estimated completion

30 Sep 2027

Ankle Fracture

What is this study about?

If you've recently had surgery for a broken ankle, this study wants to understand the best way to help you with your recovery. Usually, physiotherapy starts a bit later, but this study is looking into starting it earlier, around two weeks after your operation. We know that getting to hospital appointments can sometimes be tricky, especially when you're recovering from surgery.

That's why this study is comparing two ways of receiving physiotherapy: through video calls you can do from your own home, or by coming into the hospital for face-to-face appointments. The exercises and advice you'll get will be exactly the same in both groups – the only difference is how you connect with your physiotherapist. We want to hear about your experiences to see which method people prefer and find most helpful.

By taking part, you'll help us understand if physiotherapy by video call is a good option for people recovering from ankle surgery. Your feedback is really important and will help decide if we should do a bigger study in the future to confirm these findings and potentially offer more flexible recovery options to other patients.

Key takeaways

This study compares home video call physiotherapy with hospital visits for broken ankles.
The physiotherapy exercises are the same for everyone, only the way it's delivered differs.
It aims to see if video call physiotherapy is convenient and effective for early recovery.
Participation involves starting physiotherapy around 2 weeks post-surgery and completing questionnaires.
Your input will help improve future recovery options for people with ankle fractures.
You can stop participating at any time without affecting your medical care.

Who may be eligible?

This study is looking for adults aged 18 or older who have recently had surgery for a broken ankle within the last three weeks. You'll need to be able to give your clear agreement to take part and be able to follow the early ankle exercises.

There are some reasons why you might not be able to join. For example, if you have certain types of severe open fractures, or if your doctor has decided your ankle needs to stay in a cast for longer than three weeks after surgery. Also, if there are concerns about your soft tissues, or if you have certain health conditions like severe diabetes that might affect your healing, you might not be suitable.

You also need to be able to speak English well enough for interviews and questionnaires. It's important that you can also use video call technology, or have someone who can help you with it, as some participants will be using this for their appointments.

Could this study suit you?

Answer these quick questions to see if you may be eligible. This is a guide only — the research team makes the final call.

Are you 18 years old or older?
Did you have surgery for a broken ankle in the last 3 weeks?
Can you comfortably follow physiotherapy exercises for your ankle?
Can you speak English well enough for interviews and questionnaires?
Do you have access to or help with video call technology?

Answer every question to see your result.

What does participation involve?

If you join this study, you'll be put into one of two groups by chance. One group will have physiotherapy appointments through video calls that you can do from home. The other group will have face-to-face appointments at the hospital. No matter which group you're in, you'll start your physiotherapy about two weeks after your surgery.

Both groups will receive the same early physiotherapy programme. This includes getting advice and information about your recovery and doing ankle exercises at home while sitting or lying down. You'll have at least two physiotherapy appointments between two and six weeks after your surgery. Around week six, you'll have an interview to talk about your experiences with the physiotherapy programme and how you interacted with your physiotherapist. You'll also fill out questionnaires about your recovery and experiences, with the final one about 12 weeks after your surgery.

Potential risks and benefits

Taking part in this study could offer you the benefit of starting physiotherapy earlier in your recovery, which might help reduce stiffness and improve your ankle's movement sooner. If you're in the video call group, you might also find the convenience of home appointments helpful. There are no major new risks beyond those usually associated with physiotherapy after ankle surgery, as the exercises are designed to be safe. You might experience some discomfort from the exercises, but your physiotherapist will guide you. Remember, you can choose to stop being part of the study at any time, for any reason, without it affecting your medical care.

Locations (1)

Academic Orthopaedics and Trauma
Verified postcode
Nottingham, United Kingdom

Common questions

What is EVAR?

EVAR stands for Early Virtual Ankle Rehabilitation, which means getting physiotherapy for your broken ankle through video calls at home, early in your recovery.

Will I still get physiotherapy if I don't join the study?

Yes, you will still receive physiotherapy as part of your standard care, but it might start at a different time or be delivered differently than in the study.

How many people will be in the study?

Between 21 and 30 adults who have had surgery for a broken ankle will take part in this study.

What if I don't have good internet for video calls?

You need to have access to and be able to use video call technology (or have someone to help you) to be considered for the group doing virtual appointments.

How long does the study last for me?

You will be involved in the study from about 2 weeks after your surgery until about 12 weeks after your surgery, when you complete the final questionnaires.

How to find out more

Paul A Matthews, PhD.

paul.matthews3@nottingham.ac.uk +44 (0)1159249924 Official trial record

Always speak to your GP or specialist before deciding to take part in a study.