The Efficacy of Different Types of Stretching on Range of Motion, Pain and Function in Elbow Limitation

Istanbul University40 enrolled

Overview

The aim of the study is to compare the efficacy of Proprioceptive Neuromuscular Facilitation (PNF) stretching and static stretching on range of motion (ROM), pain and function in elbow limitation.

To compare the efficacy of PNF stretching and static stretching on ROM, pain and function in elbow limitation, forty voluntary patients with elbow limitation, aged between 18-55 years will be randomly divided into two groups: PNF Stretching group and Static Stretching group. PNF stretching will be combined with exercise and cold application in PNF Stretching group, static stretching will be combined with exercise and cold application in Static Stretching group, will be applied for 12 sessions. The patients will be assessed before and after six-week treatment. The pain on activity, at rest and at night will be assessed with Visual Analog Scale (VAS). ROM will be assesed with universal goniometer. The functional status will be evaluated by Disabilities Arm, Shoulder and Hand (DASH). Kinesiophobia and quality of life will be assessed with Tampa Scale for Kinesiophobia and Short Form-12, respectively. The Global Rating of Change will be used to evaluate patient satisfaction.

Study Type

INTERVENTIONAL

Allocation

RANDOMIZED

Purpose

TREATMENT

Masking

SINGLE

Enrollment

Conditions

Postoperative Pain Elbow Fracture Stiffness of Elbow, Not Elsewhere Classified

Interventions

PNF stretchingOTHER

For hold-relax stretching, each subject in PNF Stretching group will be comfortably positioned in a supine lying position, and patient will move the joint to the end of the passive or pain-free ROM. The therapist will ask for an isometric contraction of the restricting muscle or pattern (antagonists) with emphasis on rotation. The patients will be asked to perform submaximal isometric contractions of the target muscle for 10 seconds. After the contraction, the patients will be instructed to relax for 5 seconds. The joint will be repositioned actively to the new limit of range, and then therapist will passively control the new ROM. The procedure will be repeated 10 times with 10 seconds of rest between two successive trials. Patients will be treated 2 times per week for 6 weeks.

Static StretchingOTHER

For static stretching, each subject in Static Stretching group will be comfortably positioned in a supine lying position, and the stretching of target muscle will be maintained for 20 seconds followed by 10 seconds of rest. The procedure will be repeated 10 times with 10 seconds of rest between two successive trials. Patients will be treated 2 times per week for 6 weeks.

Eligibility

Sex: ALLMin age: 18 YearsMax age: 65 Years

Medical Language ↔ Plain English

Inclusion Criteria: Subjectswill be included with * Aged between 18 and 65 years * Elbow fracture in the six months before the study * Elbow limitation in flexion or extension * Being volunteer to participate * Fractures should be managed with conservatively or surgically Exclusion Criteria: * Malunion or Nonunion Fracture * Occurrence of complex regional pain syndrome, peripheric nerve injury, heterotopic ossification, myositis ossification or post-traumatic ankylosing * Non-healing wound or infection * Previously received physiotherapy for elbow limitation * Having any cardiovascular diseases, neurological disorders, rheumatic diseases or psychiatric diseases * Could not adjust to treatment

Locations (1)

Istanbul University

Istanbul, Turkey (Türkiye)

Outcomes

Primary Outcomes

Functional Status

The functional status of the patients will be evaluated by The Disabilities of the Arm, Shoulder and Hand (DASH).

Time frame: After the six-week intervention

Secondary Outcomes

Active Range of Motion (AROM) Assessment

The elbow's and forearm's AROM, including flexion, extansion, supination, pronation will be measured described by the American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons (AAOS) using a universal goniometer. The process will be repeated three times in each direction, with the the average value recorded.

Time frame: Baseline

Active Range of Motion (AROM) Assessment

Time frame: After the six-week intervention

Active Range of Motion (AROM) Assessment

Time frame: 1-month follow up

Functional Status

The functional status of the patients will be evaluated by The Disabilities of the Arm, Shoulder and Hand (DASH).

Time frame: Baseline

Functional Status

The functional status of the patients will be evaluated by The Disabilities of the Arm, Shoulder and Hand (DASH).

Data from ClinicalTrials.gov

This platform is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Always consult a qualified healthcare professional.