Immediate Effects of Self-Stretching Exercises on Pain, Functionality, and Muscle Spasticity in Lower Limb Orthosis Users

Abstract

Background: Confinement because of pain, stiffness, or functionality tends to limit the agility and overall lifestyle of patients undergoing orthosis use for legs. Secondary complications associated with chronic utilization of orthotic aids include spasticity or restricted ROM or pain among others. Stretching modalities have been recognized to improve flexibility, circulation, or muscle control functions. Very little information is provided concerning its direct effects among patients undergoing orthosis use. Objective: to determine if self-stretching exercises have any immediate effects on pain, functions, and spasticity for patients wearing orthoses for their lower limbs. Methods: A pre-post methodology of quasi-experiments was adopted among 111 individuals wearing orthosis aged 40 to 65 years undergoing physiotherapeutic management. Participants satisfying study inclusion criteria underwent self-stretching techniques for major muscle groups of the lower limbs. The study data was collected by using Lower Extremity Functional Scales (LEFS), Numeric Pain Rating Scales (NPRS), and Modified Ashworth Scales (MAS) before and at the end of intervention. Data analysis was conducted by using 'paired-sample t' tests and calculation of Effect Size using 'SPSS' software version 27 at 'p' values < 0.05. Results: The mean LEFS scores were significantly raised from 41.65 ± 3.14 to 47.26 ± 2.54 (p < 0.001, d = 1.89), while pain intensity was lowered from 4.92 ± 0.88 to 3.46 ± 1.02 (p < 0.001, d = 1.03). Muscle spasticity was also decreased from 3.13 ± 0.87 to 1.38 ± 1.02 (p < 0.001, d = 1.22). These parameters demonstrated significant improvement following intervention by muscle stretching. Conclusion: One procedure for self-stretching exercises can result in fast and significant improvements of functionality, pain relief, and muscle relaxation for patients wearing orthoses for their lower limbs. Based on these observations, it appears to have validity to incorporate self-stretching techniques into physical therapy for immediate relief.