Low-load prolonged stretch vs. high-load brief stretch in treating knee contractures

This study was designed to compare the results of a traditional method of stretching knee flexion contractures by high-load brief stretch (HLBS) with the results of an experimental method of prolonged knee extension by skin traction, low-load prolonged stretch (LLPS). End range of passive knee extension was measured by standard goniometry. Subjects were 11 nonambulatory residents of a nursing home who had demonstrated gradually progressive bilateral knee contractures. Each subject served as his or her own control with one lower limb receiving LLPS and the other limb receiving HLBS and passive range of motion (PROM). Sequential medical trials were used as the clinical research design. Whether comparing the LLPS limb PROM measurements pretreatment and posttreatment (p less than or equal to .05) or the HLBS to the LLPS limb PROM recordings posttreatment (p less than or equal to .05), the results demonstrated a preference for LLPS in the treatment of knee contractures in the immobile nursing home resident.