CompletedNot Applicable

Immediate Effects of Superficial Heat Associated With Elongation in the Posttraumatic Elbow Contracture

Brazil20 participantsStarted 2017-06-30

Plain-language summary

The elbow contracture is a secondary injury that can occur after direct trauma, causing the patient to have limitations in their range of motion. Objective evaluation protocols that help in decision making for the indication of these therapeutic resources have great value in rehabilitation, as they reduce unnecessary expenses and improve the assertiveness in the indication of this resource. Objective: To verify the immediate effects of superficial heat associated with sustained stretching through muscle activity and range of motion in the posttraumatic contractures of the elbow seeking the best indication of orthosis. Methods: Characterized as a randomized crossover type clinical trial. Sample of 20 adult subjects, of both sexes, over 18 years old, with elbow stiffness due to fractures and / or dislocations with indication of orthosis use. Patients will be divided into 2 randomly assigned intervention groups: the control group (CG) who will perform the 10 'sustained stretching drawn by a defined load through maximal voluntary isometric contraction (MVIC) and the modified Weeks Group (GWM) will perform 20 'of surface heat through the swirl and soon after the stretching sustained by 10' with already defined load. All patients will undergo an initial assessment and will participate in all 2 interventions while respecting a 7 day washout period. Goniometry and the visual analogue scale will be applied at the beginning and end of the interventions. The Delsys® brand equipment will be used to collect the electromyographic data. Placement and positioning of the electrodes will follow the determinations of the Seniam protocol. The activation of the brachial, brachioradial and triceps brachii muscles during the MVIC will be analyzed and also during the respective intervention protocols.

Who can participate

Age range

18 Years – 60 Years

Sex

ALL

See this in plain English?

AI-rewrites the medical criteria so a patient or caregiver can understand them. Always confirm with the trial site.

Inclusion: * patients between the ages of 18 and 60 * of both sexes * who present elbow stiffness with flexural contractures resulting from fractures and / or dislocations, * who are in the stages of fibroblastic healing and remodeling * will be selected, with indication of use of bracing for gain of range of motion * whether or not undergoing rehabilitation either after conservative or surgical orthopedic treatment Exclusion: * Individuals who have clinical or surgical restrictions to perform activities of daily living * therapeutic exercises or use of orthoses * who have lesions in the central nervous system * open lesions * moderate to high intensity pain to sustained passive stretching

Questions worth asking your doctor

Bring these to your next appointment. They're a starting point for a shared conversation — not a sign you qualify or a recommendation to enrol.

1Based on my diagnosis and history, is this trial worth exploring for me — or is there a standard treatment we should try first?
2What does this trial's phase tell us about how much is already known about its safety and benefit?
3What would taking part actually involve for me — visits, tests, time, and travel?
4What are the known and possible risks or side effects I should weigh, and how would they be monitored?
5If this trial isn't the right fit, what other options or trials would you suggest I look into?

Generated to help you prepare — always confirm anything about your own eligibility and care with the study team and your doctor.

Questions for the trial coordinator

The trial coordinator is the person who runs the study day to day. These cover the practical side — logistics, costs, and what taking part would actually mean for your life. The study team confirms whether you meet the criteria; these are questions to ask, not a sign you qualify.

1What does taking part actually involve week to week — how many visits, where, and how long does each one take?
2What costs are covered by the study, and what might I have to pay for myself, including travel, parking, or time off work?
3What happens during screening, and what happens if the study team confirms I don't meet the criteria after those tests?
4Who pays for the scans, blood work, and other tests the trial requires — the study, my insurance, or me?
5How will being in the trial affect my regular care, and will my own doctor stay informed and involved?
6Can I leave the trial at any point if I change my mind, and what would happen to my care if I do?

A starting point for the conversation — always confirm anything about your own eligibility, costs, and care with the study team and your doctor.

What they're measuring

Range of motion of elboww

Timeframe: 10 minutes

Trial details

NCT IDNCT03179098

SponsorUniversity of Sao Paulo

Sponsor typeOTHER

Study typeINTERVENTIONAL

Primary completion2018-07-30

View on ClinicalTrials.gov More Contracture of Elbow Joint trials