Comparison of the effect of passive exercise v static wrapping on finger range of motion in the burned hand

A prospective study was undertaken to compare the use of passive exercise with that of static wrapping to increase finger flexion range of motion in burn patients. Six patients (four males and two females) with combined full- and partial-thickness dorsal hand burns were randomized to receive either treatment. Results showed that metacarpophalangeal (MCP) joint flexion improved an average of 7.46 degrees with passive exercise and 2.65 degrees with static wrapping. Proximal interphalangeal (PIP) joint flexion improved an average of 9.68 degrees with static wrapping and 4.28 degrees with passive exercise. The percentages of improvement in the MCP joint with passive exercise and static wrapping were 8.53% and 2.92%, respectively. In the PIP joint, the respective percentages were 3.69% and 8.09%. All differences were statistically significant at a P value of less than .001. It was concluded that in the rehabilitation of hands and/or fingers with recently healed burns, manual passive exercise is significantly better than static wrapping for increasing MCP joint flexion, while static wrapping is more effective for increasing PIP joint flexion.