Research article summary (published 30 Dec 2006):

Effects of a range-of-motion exercise programme.

Full Abstract

AIM: This paper reports an evaluation of a range-of-motion exercise programme aimed at improving joint flexibility, activity function, perception of pain, and depressive symptoms in a sample of stroke survivors in long-term care facilities. BACKGROUND: The benefits of physical rehabilitation for stroke survivors have been well established. There is, however, little empirical data on the effects of a simple nurse-led range-of-motion exercise programme in improving function for these people. METHOD: A randomized controlled trial was conducted in 1999 with 59 bedridden older stroke survivors in residential care. Participants were randomly assigned to usual care or one of two intervention groups. The 4-week, twice-per-day, 6 days-per-week range-of-motion exercise protocols were similar in both intervention groups, and consisted of full range-of-motion exercises of the upper and lower extremities. To test the effect of different degrees of staff involvement, in intervention group I, a Registered Nurse was present to supervise participants performing the exercises, while intervention group II involved a Registered Nurse physically assisting participants to achieve maximum range-of-motion within or beyond their present abilities. RESULTS: Both intervention groups had statistically significant improvement in joint angles, activity function, perception of pain and depressive symptoms compared with the usual care group (P < 0.05). Post hoc comparison revealed that the joint angles in intervention group II were statistically significantly wider than in both the other groups (P < 0.01). CONCLUSIONS: A simple nurse-led range-of-motion exercise programme can generate positive effects in enhancing physical and psychological function of bedridden older people with stroke. Further studies are needed to investigate the long-term effects of the programme in maximizing function, reducing care utilization and enhancing quality of life for this population.

Author information

Author/s: Tseng, Chien-Ning (CN); Chen, Cheryl Chia-Hui (CC); Wu, Shiao-Chi (SC); Lin, Li-Chan (LC);

Affiliation: Cardinal Tien College of Nursing, Taipei, Taiwan.

Journal and publication information

Publication Type: Journal Article; Randomized Controlled Trial

Journal: Journal of advanced nursing (J Adv Nurs), published in England. (Language: eng)

Reference: 2007-Jan; vol 57 (issue 2) : pp 181-91

Dates: Created 2007/01/11; Completed 2007/06/21; Revised 2007/11/15;

PMID: 17214754, status: MEDLINE (last retrieved date: 2/18/2009)

Sourced from the National Library of Medicine. Abstract text and other information may be subject to copyright.

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MeSH headings (categories)

This article was linked to the MeSH Headings (categories) shown below.

Activities of Daily Living Aged Aged, 80 and over Depression - diagnosis Exercise Therapy - methods Female Humans

Humans Male Middle Aged Pain - diagnosis; therapy Range of Motion, Articular Stroke - psychology; rehabilitation Time Factors

Note: Bold headings indicate primary MeSH headings or qualifiers.

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