Comparison of Patient Satisfaction and Quality of Life Among Post-elbow Fracture Stiffness Patients Undergoing Proprioceptive Neuromuscular Facilitation Stretching vs. Passive Stretching

Abstract

Background: Post-fracture prolonged immobilization or post-operative elbow stiffness is relatively common and markedly interferes with normal upper extremity function. This study aims to evaluate and compare the levels of patient satisfaction and quality of life in individuals with post-elbow fracture stiffness who undergo Proprioceptive Neuromuscular Facilitation (PNF) stretching versus those who receive passive stretching. Methodology: This (six months) analytical comparative cross-sectional study was conducted at various healthcare institutions. The sample consisted of 377 patients using non-probability convenient sampling. Inclusion criteria included specific types of elbow fractures, a minimum immobilization period of three weeks, and limited range of motion (ROM). Exclusion criteria covered various medical and psychological conditions. Standardized questionnaires Short Form 36 Health Survey Questionnaire (SF-36) and Patient Satisfaction Questionnaire (PSQ-18) were used for measuring Quality of life and patient satisfaction. Data analysis was done using SPSS version 22. Results: Short Form 36 Health Survey Questionnaire scores were significantly higher in the PNF Stretching group (mean 82.34 ± 6.63) compared to the Passive Stretching group (mean 63.98 ± 14.42), with a p - value of 0.000. Similarly, Patient satisfaction questionnaire scores were significantly higher in the PNF Stretching group (mean 77.61 ± 4.43) compared to the Passive Stretching group (mean 70.93 ± 8.49), with a p - value of 0.000. These findings indicate that there is a statistically significant difference observed between the two groups. Conclusion: There is a statistically significant difference observed between both groups as the patients undergoing PNF stretching have higher satisfaction and better quality of life, in comparison to the passive stretching group.