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Knee flexion contractures in institutionalized elderly: prevalence, severity, stability, and related variables
1Shared Therapeutic Services, Milwaukee, WI 53225.
Physical Therapy
|July 1, 1993
Summary
Most institutionalized elderly residents have knee flexion contractures (KFCs), often unilateral. KFC severity correlates with impaired ambulation, cognitive issues, and knee pain, suggesting physical therapy interventions.
Area of Science:
- Gerontology
- Rehabilitation Medicine
- Orthopedics
Background:
- Knee flexion contractures (KFCs) are common in institutionalized elderly.
- Limited data exists on KFC prevalence, severity, and progression in this population.
Purpose of the Study:
- To determine the prevalence, severity, and progression of KFCs in institutionalized elderly individuals.
- To identify factors associated with knee extension and contracture development.
Main Methods:
- 112 nursing home residents with varying ambulation and cognitive abilities were assessed.
- Data collection occurred at baseline (T1) and after 10 months (T2).
Main Results:
- A majority of residents had unilateral KFC; only 25% had full bilateral extension.
- KFCs greater than 20 degrees were linked to nonambulation and resistance to motion.
- Changes in KFC (increase or decrease) correlated with increased resistance to passive motion.
Conclusions:
- Significant correlations exist between KFC degree and resistance to motion, cognitive impairment, impaired ambulation, and knee pain.
- Physical therapy may benefit nonambulatory residents with resistance to motion, those nearing 20-degree KFC, and ambulatory residents with developing contractures and ambulation decline.
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