HEAT AND STRETCH PROCEDURES - EVALUATION USING RAT TAIL TENDON

  • 1 January 1976
    • journal article
    • research article
    • Vol. 57  (3) , 122-126
Abstract
Various methods of applying force to collagenous tissue are evaluated at various temperatures to produce permanent elongation, using rat tail tendon as the tissue model. A materials testing machine was used to measure the forces applied and the resulting elongation produced by differing procedures. Short-term vigorous stretching and prolonged moderate stretching were compared at 37.degree. C. The effect of heating tissue prior to applying force was evaluated, and the effect of using a prolonged application of low force was demonstrated. The low force, long duration procedure was very effective at producing residual elongation. Elevating tissue temperature and maintaining it prior to applying force caused significantly less damage; and finally, the lower loads applied at elevated temperatures for prolonged periods produced significantly greater residual elongation. Producing permanent tissue elongation by force is one of the principal methods of treating contractures in patients.

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