Stretch for the treatment and prevention of contracture: an abridged republication of a Cochrane Systematic Review.

Question: Is stretch effective for the treatment and prevention of contractures in people with neurological and non-neurological conditions?

Design: A Cochrane Systematic Review with meta-analyses of randomised trials.

Participants: People with or at risk of contractures.

Intervention: Trials were considered for inclusion if they compared stretch to no stretch, or stretch plus co-intervention to co-intervention only.

Stretch for the treatment and prevention of contractures.

Background: Contractures are a common complication of neurological and non-neurological conditions, and are characterised by a reduction in joint mobility. Stretch is widely used for the treatment and prevention of contractures. However, it is not clear whether stretch is effective.

Case study: the Interact Home Telehealth Project.

Two home telehealth technologies (the Intel Health Guide and the Apple iPad) were trialled by four clinical services of the Hunter New England Local Health District. The iPad was selected by the Paediatric Palliative Care Service, the Stroke Service and the Brain Injury Rehabilitation Service. The Intel Health Guide was selected by the Cardiac Coaching Service.

Contracture management for people with spinal cord injuries.

Contractures are a common and disabling problem for people with spinal cord injuries. To date, contractures have largely been managed with physical interventions such as stretch and passive movements. These are typically administered either manually or with the assistance of various orthoses, devices or aids.

Effectiveness of stretch for the treatment and prevention of contractures in people with neurological conditions: a systematic review.

Background: Contractures are a disabling complication of neurological conditions that are commonly managed with stretch.

Objective: The purpose of this systematic review was to determine the effectiveness of stretch for the treatment and prevention of contractures. The review is part of a more-detailed Cochrane review.

Stretch for the treatment and prevention of contractures.

Background: Contractures are a common complication of neurological and musculoskeletal conditions, and are characterised by a reduction in joint mobility. Stretch is widely used for the treatment and prevention of contractures. However, it is not clear whether stretch is effective.