Comparison of the effect of Range of Motion exercises versus stretching techniques in prevention of burn contractures of upper limb; RCT- A Randomized clinical trial

Abstract

Background: Burn is an injury which affects approximately all systems of body and is very common among accidental injuries which causes burden on hospitals. A lot of treatment interventions are introduced until now for the management of burn to lessen complications and increase quality of life in survivors.

Methodology: Forty-eight patients who complete selection criteria were included in this study. Written informed consent was obtained from every participant in this study before starting any physical examination. Participants was allocated into two groups randomly. On 1^stday range of motion at involved joints was assessed using goniometry. Group A is treated with stretching techniques, while group B is treated with Range of Motion exercises. Conventional treatment for both groups’ participants includes isometrics exercise and anti-contracture positioning. Treatment frequency was 3 times a week.

Results: Comparison of all upper extremityjoint movements at baseline and 4^th week has shown that there was a significant difference between post treatment range of motion with p value of less than 0.05 showing that group A is more effective in improving shoulder flexion after burn injury.Comparison of mean of all measured range of motions in group A and B was 57.08 degree ±28.29 and 59.25 degree±33.52 in pre-treatment and 96.66 degree ±36.35 and 81.49 degree ±33.10 post-treatment.

Conclusion: Stretching techniques are more effective in the prevention of post burn contractures than Range of Motion exercises, as more improvement was noted in range of motion at joints of upper limb in patients after stretching.