Abstract
[Purpose] In this study, we examined the effect of ROM exercises on joint fixation. [Subjects] Wistar rats (male, 330-380 g) were used in this study. [Methods] The rats were randomly divided into a non-treated group, a joint- immobilization group, and groups which did ROM exercises weekly (1day-group), three days a week (3 days-group) or five days a week (5 days-group). All rats had their joints fixed except during the ROM exercises. After five weeks, the knee joint ROMs were measured and histologically evaluated. [Results] The knee joint ROMs were not maintained in the ROM exercises groups. However, decrease in the knee joint ROMs was inhibited in proportion to the frequency of ROM exercise. The knee joint cavities in the joint-immobilized group and the 1day group were filled with connective tissue. [Conclusion] These results suggest that ROM exercise inhibits decrease in ROM, although development of a decrease in the movable range of the joint could not be prevented.
