Article

Contractures are common problems for the elderly with far reaching
functional and medical consequences. The aim of this systematic literature review
was to give an overview of contracture and to identify potential risk factors
associated with contractures. METHODS: A systematic literature search with two
objectives limited to the last 10 years was performed to identify studies dealing
with definition of contracture (objective 1 = O1) and with risk factors
(objective 2 = O2). Predefined information including age, sample size, study
design, setting, condition, joint, definition of contracture, mode of
measurement, and whether inter- and/or intra-rater reliability were assessed, as
well as risk factors of contracture were extracted. RESULTS: One hundred and
sixty one and 25 studies were retrieved. After applying exclusion criteria 47
studies (O1) and 3 studies (O2) remained. Only 9 studies (O1) provided a
definition of contracture. In 3 studies (O2) several potential risk factors were
identified. CONCLUSIONS: In most of the studies it seems that the presence of a
contracture is equivalent with the presence of restriction in the range of motion
(ROM) of a joint. Very little is known about risk factors for contractures. But
it seems that immobility may play a pivotal role in the development of this
condition. IMPLICATION FOR REHABILITATION: The prevalence of contractures in
nursing home residents is estimated at 55% with significant functional and
medical consequences. In most studies, which were published in the last 10 years,
the presence of a contracture is equivalent with the presence of restriction in
the range of motion of a joint. Immobility seems to play a role in the
development of contractures. Potential avenues to prevention of contractures and
subsequent functional limitations are exercise programmes for and maintenance of
mobility of the elderly.

Langue : ANGLAIS