In 1997, Moseley, et. al., conducted study about Ankle plantar-flexion contractures which are a prevalent issue among individuals recovering from traumatic head injuries. Although serial casting has been a common practice to address and prevent these contractures, its efficacy remains largely unexplored within the realm of experimental design. This study aimed to assess the impact of a comprehensive regimen involving casting combined with stretching on passive ankle dorsiflexion motion in adults with traumatic head injuries.

Nine participants, all with limited dorsiflexion motion resulting from traumatic closed head injuries, were included in this crossover-designed study. Subjects were randomly assigned to both experimental and control groups. Torque-controlled measurements of passive ankle dorsiflexion motion were recorded before and after a one-week intervention period involving casting combined with stretching, as well as before and after a one-week control period.

The experimental intervention yielded a noteworthy mean increase of 13.5 degrees (SD = 9.3) in passive ankle dorsiflexion, in stark contrast to a mean decrease of 1.9 degrees (SD = 10.2) observed during the control condition. The disparity between the experimental and control conditions proved to be statistically significant.

The outcomes of this study strongly advocate for the effectiveness of casting combined with stretching as a viable method for rectifying ankle plantar-flexion contractures in individuals recovering from traumatic head injuries. This innovative approach not only demonstrated a considerable improvement in passive ankle dorsiflexion motion but also underscores the importance of adopting a structured regimen for rehabilitation in this specific patient population.

These findings contribute valuable insights to the rehabilitation strategies for traumatic head injury patients, emphasizing the potential benefits of integrating casting with stretching exercises. Further research and clinical trials are warranted to validate and expand upon these promising results, paving the way for enhanced therapeutic interventions in the field of traumatic head injury rehabilitation.

Reference: Moseley, A. M. (1997). The effect of casting combined with stretching on passive ankle dorsiflexion in adults with traumatic head injuries. Physical Therapy, 77(3), 240-247.