The Effect of ROM Exercise on Rats with Denervation and Joint Contracture

[Purpose] The purpose of this study was to investigate whether there is an effect of ROM exercise on rats with denervation and joint contracture. [Methods] Fifteen female 8-week old Wistar rats were used. For seven out of the fifteen rats, the left hind limbs were used as control limbs (group 1), and the right hind limbs (group 2) were fixed continuously with white tape in full plantar flexion for one week. The remaining eight rats received bilateral sciatic neurectomies. The left hind limbs (group 3) were fixed continuously with white tape in full plantar flexion for one week. The right hind limbs (group 4) were fixed in full plantar flexion with white tape that was removed daily from the second through the seventh experimental days. After the tape was removed the foot was held in dorsiflexion by a spring balancer for 30 minutes. After the ROM exercise session was completed, the white tape was reapplied, again with the ankle fixed in full plantar flexion. [Results] Before the experiment, there were no significant differences among the groups. After the experiment: compared to group 1, ROM in group 2 and group 3 was significantly increased; compared to group 2, ROM in group 3 and group 4 was significantly decreased; and compared to group 3, ROM in group 4 was significantly decreased. [Conclusion] ROM exercise was effective for preventing ROM limitation. These results suggest that ROM exercise is effective for preventing joint limitation in rats with denervation and joint contracture.