Amount of Torque and Duration of Stretching Affects Correction of Knee Contracture in a Rat Model of Spinal Cord Injury

Joint contractures, or the stiffening of joints, are common after neurologic conditions such as spinal cord injuries. Stretching is often used to prevent and treat these contractures. This study used a rat model of spinal cord injury to test different stretching methods, varying the amount of force (torque) and the length of time stretching was applied, to see which method best improved knee joint movement. The researchers found that high-torque, long-duration static stretching was most effective in improving range of motion, especially regarding the articular (joint) components of the contracture.

• 1
  High-torque and long-duration static stretching led to greater restoration of ROM than the other torque and duration treatment groups.
• 2
  Stretching was more effective in improving articular components of contractures compared with the muscular components.
• 3
  Stretching in this rat model prevented shortening and adhesion of the joint capsule, and affected biochemical composition, but did not change morphologic features of the cartilage.