Effectiveness of passive mobilization on the deleterious effects of immobilization in patients with musculoskeletal problems: a systematic review

• Published in: The Journal of manual & manipulative therapy Vol. 33; no. 3; p. 173
• Main Authors: Pauletto, Pâmela Andressa, Chico, Fernanda Teixeira Furlan, Vieira, Luiz Carlos Gracioli, Bertoncello, Dernival, Buzanello, Márcia Rosângela, de Carvalho, Alberito Rodrigo, Bertolini, Gladson Ricardo Flor
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: England 01.06.2025
• Subjects: Humans; Immobilization - adverse effects; Musculoskeletal Diseases - therapy; Range of Motion, Articular - physiology; muscular atrophy; Articular range of motion; physical therapy modalities
• ISSN: 2042-6186
• DOI: 10.1080/10669817.2024.2408500

Joint immobilization may be necessary in some situations, such as in cases of fractures and osteomyoarticular injuries. However, it is known that there are several harmful effects of immobilization, which can cause muscle weakness, loss of motor function, reduced range of motion and increased local pain, and it is important to understand the possible forms of treatment to alleviate the effects of immobilization, focusing on passive mobilization. To address articles that evaluate the effects of passive mobilization on immobilized patients. The search was carried out in national and international electronic databases (PubMed, Pedro, Web of Science, Scopus, Embase, Lilacs and Cochrane), in addition to gray literature (Google Scholar, Open Gray and Livivo), using the following descriptors: PASSIVE MOBILIZATION and IMMOBILIZATION, being carried out blindly, by two main researchers, concluding the selection with 6 articles on the subject. The studies indicate that passive mobilization was able to reverse the negative aspects of immobilization in relation to the recovery of strength, range of movement, local pain and motor function, as its action provides tissue sliding, increasing circulation and the repair process tissue. Although the effects are smaller compared to active exercises, it can be considered that passive mobilization can mitigate the harmful effects of immobilization.