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Active and Passive Physiotherapy in Neurorehabilitation: Narrative Review

D. Senthil Kumar, S. Benedic Kingslin Suresh, A. J. Rajendran

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Attribution-Non-commercial 4.0 International (CC BY-NC 4.0)

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Physiotherapy and Occupational Therapy Journal 18(2):p 163-171, April- June 2025. | DOI: 10.21088/potj.0974.5777.18225.9

How Cite This Article:

Suresh SBK, Rajendran AJ, Kumar DS. Active and Passive Physiotherapy in Neurorehabilitation: Narrative Review. Physiother Occup Ther J. 2025;18(2):163–71.

Timeline

Received : February 22, 2025         Accepted : May 26, 2025          Published : June 16, 2025

Abstract

Background: Neurorehabilitation plays a pivotal role in improving functional outcomes for individuals with neurological impairments. Physiotherapy, encompassing both active and passive approaches, is a cornerstone of neurorehabilitation. Understanding the efficacy and applications of these modalities is crucial for optimizing patient recovery. Aim: This narrativere view aims to explore the efficacy and clinical applications of active and passive physiotherapy techniques in the rehabilitation of patients with neurological conditions such as stroke, traumatic brain injury, and spinal cord injury. Objective: To analyze and synthesize currentl iterature on the out comes, benefits, and limitations of active and passive physiotherapy techniques, discussing their integration into clinical practice for enhanced rehabilitation outcomes. Methods and Materials: A comprehensive review of published literature was conducted, focusing on studies evaluating active and passive physiotherapy interventions in neurorehabilitation. Relevant articles were sourced from databases such as PubMed, Scopus, and Google Scholar. The review included randomized controlled trials, cohort studies, and systematic reviews that examined the effects of these physiotherapy approaches on functional recovery, neuroplasticity, spasticity management, and patient independence. Results: Active physiotherapy, characterized by patient-driven movements, was found to promote strength, motor control, and functional independence by enhancing neuroplasticity. Passive physiotherapy, which involves external assistance,was beneficial inpreventing joint contractures, reducing spasticity, and maintaining range of motion. Evidence suggests that a combination of both approaches leads to better rehabilitation outcomes, accelerating recovery and improving overall quality of life. Conclusion: Both active and passive physiotherapy techniques hold distinct yet complementary roles in neurorehabilitation. Active physiotherapy fosters neuroplasticity and functional recovery, while passive interventions provide essential support for maintaining mobility and reducing secondary complications. A tailored, patient-specific approach integrating both modalities enhances rehabilitation efficacy. Future research should focus on exploring the long-term effects of combined therapies on neuroplasticity and patient quality of life.


References

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Data Sharing Statement

There are no additional data available. All raw data and code are available upon request.

Funding

This research received no external funding.

Author Contributions

All authors contributed significantly to the work and approve its publication.

Ethics Declaration

This article does not involve any human or animal subjects, and therefore does not require ethics approval.

Acknowledgements

We would like to express our gratitude to the patients, their families, and all those who have contributed to this study.

Conflicts of Interest

The authors declare no confiict of interest.


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Cite this article

Suresh SBK, Rajendran AJ, Kumar DS. Active and Passive Physiotherapy in Neurorehabilitation: Narrative Review. Physiother Occup Ther J. 2025;18(2):163–71.


Licence:

Attribution-Non-commercial 4.0 International (CC BY-NC 4.0)

This license enables reusers to distribute, remix, adapt, and build upon the material in any medium or format for noncommercial purposes only, and only so long as attribution is given to the creator.


Received Accepted Published
February 22, 2025 May 26, 2025 June 16, 2025

DOI: 10.21088/potj.0974.5777.18225.9

Keywords

Active Physiotherapy • Passive Physiotherapy • Neuro rehabilitationActive PhysiotherapyPassive PhysiotherapyNeuro rehabilitation

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Received February 22, 2025
Accepted May 26, 2025
Published June 16, 2025

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Attribution-Non-commercial 4.0 International (CC BY-NC 4.0)

This license enables reusers to distribute, remix, adapt, and build upon the material in any medium or format for noncommercial purposes only, and only so long as attribution is given to the creator.


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