Study on natural recovery of joint contractures and effects of exercise in rats

Abstract

We performed an experimental study to examine the effects of natural recovery and of treadmill exercise on joint contractures induced by a one-week joint fixation. All of the ratsʼright ankle joints were immobilized with casts in full plantar flexion for one week. After one week, the casts were removed, and the rats were divided into two groups. Group 1 involved free walking daily; Group 2 involved treadmill running for 20 minutes plus free walking daily. After one week and two weeks, the ankle dorsiflexion angles of all the rats were measured. The dorsiflexion angles of Group 1 recovered in one week, but Group 2 needed two weeks for recovery. Our results suggest that inappropriate exercise for joint contractures may interfere with the recovery of the joint impairment in rats.