From the Guidelines
Definition and Purpose of Continuous Passive Motion (CPM)
Continuous Passive Motion (CPM) is a postoperative rehabilitation technique utilized to promote joint mobility and reduce stiffness 1.
Key Aspects of CPM
- The typical CPM protocol involves 6-8 hours of continuous motion per day, with a range of motion of 0-60 degrees, and a speed of 1-2 cycles per minute.
- Medications such as acetaminophen (650-1000mg every 4-6 hours) or ibuprofen (400-800mg every 6-8 hours) may be prescribed to manage pain and inflammation during the CPM treatment, which usually lasts for 2-4 weeks.
- However, studies have shown that there is no additional benefit for pain, range of motion, or swelling in using CPM compared with active motion exercises 1.
- In fact, the use of CPM is not recommended due to its time-consuming and costly nature, with a modal agreement of ‘strongly agree’ (mean: 75.5%, 65%–86%) 1.
Clinical Considerations
- The decision to use CPM should be made on a case-by-case basis, taking into account the individual patient's needs and circumstances.
- Alternative rehabilitation techniques, such as active knee motion exercises, may be more effective and efficient in promoting joint mobility and reducing stiffness 1.
From the Research
Definition of Continuous Passive Motion (CPM)
- Continuous Passive Motion (CPM) is a method used in the early post-operative rehabilitation of patients after joint surgery, as seen in studies such as 2 and 3.
- CPM involves the use of a machine to move the joint through a range of motion without the patient having to actively move it, as described in 4 and 5.
Applications of CPM
- CPM is commonly used after total knee arthroplasty, as studied in 2 and 5.
- It is also used in the rehabilitation of the shoulder joint, as discussed in 3 and 6.
- CPM has been applied to other joints, such as the first metatarsophalangeal joint, as mentioned in 4.
Effects of CPM
- CPM has been shown to improve range of motion and reduce pain in some patients, as seen in 2 and 6.
- However, some studies have found no significant difference in outcomes between patients who received CPM and those who did not, as reported in 2 and 5.
- CPM may be beneficial in specific cases, such as bilateral knee replacement, as suggested in 5.