The Effect of Isometric Exercise on Pain Severity and Muscle Strength of Patients with Lower Limb Fractures: A Randomized Clinical Trial Study

Abstract

Background: Pain and weakening of muscle strength are the most important problems in orthopedic patients. Isometric movements are effective in reducing these problems. Due to the lack of studies in this field, this study was conducted with the aim of investigating the effect of isometric movements on pain control and muscle strength reversal of lower limb fractures. Methods: This clinical trial was carried out in 120 patients aged 15 -49 years suffering from lower limb fracture admitted to the Shahid Beheshti hospital of Sabzevar in 2016 with random allocation to intervention and control groups. In the intervention group, physiotherapy was performed by isometric movements four hours after the surgery and then, up to five consecutive days, each day four times of half an hour. The amount of pain and reversing muscle strength was investigated before and after the intervention in both groups. STATA 11 software was used to analyze the data at a significance level of 0.05. Results: In the intervention and control groups, there were 83% and 85% males, 17%, and 15% females, respectively. The age groups of 40 -49 years (37%) and 30 -39 years (35%) were the most frequent. The Wilcoxon test showed a significant difference between the amount of pain before (6.86 ± 1.18) and after (2.86 ± 1.89) the intervention (P < 0.001). Fischer's exact test showed a significant difference between the groups in terms of muscle strength after the intervention (P < 0.001). Conclusions: Isometric movements exercise is the most effective method for relieving pain and reversing muscle strength, which can be recommended by orthopedic doctors because it facilitates recovery and accelerates the return to normal life.

Effect of Video-Assisted Isometric Strengthening Exercise Program on Pain and Muscle Strength Poststabilization of Lower Limb Fracture

“…Lower levels of pain measures and better muscle strength preservation were observed among participants of the intervention group when compared with those of the control group. These findings were congruent with a similar study conducted on patients with lower limb fracture (Khosrojerdi et al, 2018) and other similar studies of different patient types with lower limb problems such as knee osteoarthritis (Anwer & Alghadir, 2014; Choi et al, 2015; Kangeswari et al, 2021).…”

“…The effect of medication on the study outcome measurement was minimized as participants in both groups received a similar protocol of analgesic medication. Concurring with other studies (Anwer & Alghadir, 2014; Choi et al, 2015; Kangeswari et al, 2021; Khosrojerdi et al, 2018; Sanjaikumar, 2017), ISE is a simple nonpharmacological approach that complements the management of musculoskeletal pain.…”

Physiotherapy Rehabilitation to Recuperate a Patient From an Intertrochanteric Fracture: A Case Report

“…According to a survey, individuals with hip fractures who underwent isometric activities and specific physiotherapies appeared to recover physiologically quicker and also had a better quality of life [ 6 ]. In the continuum of care for patients with fragility fractures, physical therapy can be extremely important [ 7 ].…”

“…In the initial stages, the most significant physical therapy objectives for patients with orthopedic issues are pain management; decreasing edema and joint swelling; enhancing joint range of motion; tissue flexibility; prevention of muscle weakness and muscle atrophy; and in the later stages, muscle strengthening; improving balance; enhancing coordination, and developing motor control programs. Following fracture fusion, the patient must engage in long-term exercises to restore his or her muscular strength to the pre-fracture level [ 6 ]. This allows appropriate mobilization approaches and the prescription of organized exercise routines for maximizing functional capacity and lowering the risk of falls and additional fractures [ 7 ].…”

Effect of Isotonic Exercise on the Frequency of Muscle Cramps in Hemodialysis Patients: A Clinical Trial

“…Pain relief is the basis of nursing care (9). Using physical and mechanical factors and applying special techniques and medical exercises, one can alleviate muscle pain and spasm (10). Doing regular exercises is one of the mechanisms to compensate for the decrease in blood flow and the resulting muscle cramps and pain.…”