Therapy interventions for improving joint range of motion: a systematic review

• Published in: Journal of hand therapy Vol. 17; no. 2; pp. 118 - 131
• Main Authors: Michlovitz, Susan L, Ann Harris, Bette, Watkins, Mary P
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: United States Elsevier Inc 01.04.2004; Elsevier Limited
• Subjects: Activities of daily living; Content analysis; Fractures; Humans; Intervention; Joint and ligament injuries; Joints - physiopathology; Musculoskeletal Diseases - physiopathology; Musculoskeletal Diseases - rehabilitation; Patient satisfaction; Physical Therapy Modalities - methods; Range of motion; Range of Motion, Articular - physiology; Systematic review; Trauma; Ultrasonic imaging; Upper Extremity - physiopathology
• ISSN: 0894-1130; 1545-004X
• DOI: 10.1197/j.jht.2004.02.002

The authors conducted a systematic review of the published evidence on conservative interventions for loss of upper extremity joint range of motion following selected musculoskeletal conditions. Several databases (Medline, CINAHL, PEDRO, PubMed, and Cochrane) were searched for articles that met inclusion criteria. Two reviewers determined abstract selection; two reviews performed critical appraisal of 26 articles. Level of evidence and quality on a 24-item quantitative critical appraisal form were determined for all articles meeting selection criteria. The primary outcome considered was range-of-motion measurement. Overall, the quantity and quality of evidence were moderate to low. Sackett's levels 2b, 3, and 4 evidence has shown that joint mobilization, a supervised exercise program, and splinting can all increase joint range of motion. There were no studies found in the literature that examined techniques of physical agent or electrotherapeutic modalities. Future studies are needed to delineate selection of appropriate candidates for these techniques and effective dosage.