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Abstract
Patients in lone term care units are susceptible to the development of contractures because of immobility. One method advocated by physiotherapists in order to prevent the formation or progression of contractures is the use of passive range of motion exercises. An ABA study on 35 subjects was undertaken over a period of six months in order to observe any changes in amplitude at the knee and/or elbow when applying a passive range of motion exercise program. The results revealed that, when considered as a group, there was no significant change in the joint amplitudes over the six-month period. When subdividing these joints according to the muscular tonus, statistical analyses demonstrated similar results over time. Physiotherapists are encouraged to monitor closely each patient as this type of intervention may not be necessary for all long term care patients. Further studies are needed to assess the benefits of this form of treatment.