Effect on Passive Range of Motion and Functional Correlates After a Long-Term Lower Limb Self-Stretch Program in Patients With Chronic Spastic Paresis

Abstract Background In current health care systems, long-duration stretching, performed daily, cannot be obtained through prescriptions of physical therapy. In addition, the short-term efficacy of the various stretching techniques is disputed, and their long-term effects remain undocumented. Objective To evaluate changes in extensibility in 6 lower limb muscles and in ambulation speed after a ≥1-year self-stretch program, the Guided Self-rehabilitation Contract (GSC), in individuals with chronic spastic paresis. Design Retrospective study comparing self-stretched and nonself-stretched muscles. Setting Neurorehabilitation clinic. Participants Patients diagnosed with hemiparesis or paraparesis at least 1 year before the initiation of a GSC and who were then involved in the GSC program for at least 1 year. Interventions For each patient, specific muscles were identified for intervention among the following: gluteus maximus, hamstrings, vastus, rectus femoris, soleus, and gastrocnemius. Prescriptions and training for a daily, high-load, prolonged, home self-stretching program were primarily based on the baseline coefficient of shortening, defined as C SH = [(X N –X V1 )/X N ] (X V1 = PROM, passive range of motion; X N = normally expected amplitude). Main Outcome Measurements Six assessments were performed per year, measuring the Tardieu X V1 or maximal slow stretch range of motion angle (PROM), C SH , 10-m ambulation speed, and its functional ambulation category (Perry's classification: household, limited, or full). Changes from baseline in self-stretched and nonself-stretched muscles were compared, with meaningful X V1 change defined as ΔX V1 >5° for plantar flexors and >10° for proximal muscles. Correlation between the composite X V1 (mean PROM for the 6 muscles) and ambulation speed also was evaluated. Results Twenty-seven GSC participants were identified (14 women, mean age 44 years, range 29-59): 18 with hemiparesis and 9 with paraparesis. After 1 year, 47% of self-stretched muscles showed meaningful change in PROM (ΔX V1 ) versus 14% in nonself-stretched muscles ( P 2 ). ΔC SH was –31% (95% confidence interval [95% CI] –41.5 to –15.2) in self-stretched versus –7% (95% CI –11.9 to –2.1) in nonself-stretched muscles ( P t -test). Ambulation speed increased by 41% ( P V1 and ambulation speed (r = 0.44, P = .09) in hemiparetic patients. Conclusion Therapists should consider prescribing and monitoring a long-term lower limb self-stretch program using GSC, as this may increase muscle extensibility in adult-onset chronic paresis.