Table 5 Kinesitherapy

Passive movement

(i) The patient sits on a bed with the limb hanging over the edge of a bed. A rolled towel or pad is placed under the shallow depression at the back of the knee joint (popliteal fossa).

(ii) The therapist holds the bottom (distal) of the lower leg and pulls toward the foot for 10 seconds. This is repeated five times consecutively.

(iii) The therapist uses his or her hands to flex and extend the knee. Patients will be informed that this will be a passive motion and may uncomfortable but should not be painful.

Active movement

(i) The participant lies on his or her back, lifts and straightens one leg with a weight attached to the ankle. The heel is lifted so that it is approximately 18 cm above the bed and held in that position for 30 seconds. This is repeated three times consecutively.

(ii) The participant lies on his or her back, stretches out the knee and performs a set of 15 quadriceps contractions keeping the leg in the same position. This is repeat twice a day for 4 weeks.