Effectiveness Of Post-Isometric Relaxation With Sustained Stretching On Flexor Group Muscles Tightness In Post-Operative Hip And Knee Surgery

Abstract

Background: Post-operative tightness in the flexor group muscles (e.g., hip flexors, hamstrings, gastrocnemius) is a common complication following hip and knee surgery. This tightness can significantly impede rehabilitation, limit range of motion, and negatively impact functional recovery, leading to prolonged pain and decreased quality of life. Traditional stretching methods often show limited efficacy in addressing chronic muscle tightness. Post-isometric relaxation (PIR) combined with sustained stretching offers a promising approach by leveraging the physiological principles of autogenic and reciprocal inhibition to achieve greater muscle lengthening.

Aim: This study aims to investigate the effectiveness of a combined intervention of post-isometric relaxation (PIR) and sustained stretching on reducing flexor group muscle tightness and improving range of motion in patients post-hip and knee surgery.

Methodology: A prospective, single-blinded, randomized controlled trial will be conducted over a period of 6 months. A total of 35 post-operative hip and knee surgery patients, exhibiting clinically diagnosed tightness in their flexor group muscles, will be recruited for the study. Participants will be randomly assigned to either an experimental group receiving PIR with sustained stretching or a control group receiving conventional stretching exercises. Muscle tightness will be objectively measured using goniometry for hip flexion, knee flexion, and ankle dorsiflexion, and the Modified Ashworth Scale for spasticity if applicable, at baseline, 3 months, and 6 months. Functional outcomes will be assessed using validated scales such as the Harris Hip Score for hip surgery patients and the Knee Society Score for knee surgery patients. All interventions will be supervised by a qualified physiotherapist.

Result:It is hypothesized that the experimental group receiving PIR with sustained stretching will demonstrate a statistically significant reduction in flexor group muscle tightness and a greater improvement in joint range of motion compared to the control group. Furthermore, it is expected that this improved flexibility will translate into enhanced functional outcomes in activities of daily living and overall quality of life.

Conclusion: The findings of this study are expected to support the efficacy of post-isometric relaxation combined with sustained stretching as a superior intervention for managing flexor group muscle tightness in post-operative hip and knee surgery patients. This approach could be integrated into standard rehabilitation protocols to optimize patient recovery, improve functional independence, and potentially reduce long-term complications associated with muscle tightness.