What is a key reason to maintain joint mobility above and below the injury during mobility training after spinal cord injury?

• A. To prevent contractures and maintain ROM
• B. To increase pain
• C. To cause spasticity
• D. To reduce blood flow

Answer: (A)

Maintaining joint mobility above and below the injury keeps tissues flexible and prevents contractures. After a spinal cord injury, movement is reduced and muscles can become shortened while connective tissues tighten. If joints are not regularly moved, they may stiffen and develop fixed deformities that limit function and are hard to reverse later. Including gentle, progressive range-of-motion and stretching for joints on both sides helps preserve muscle length, maintain joint alignment, and support later rehabilitation and daily activities. This is why preventing contractures and preserving ROM is the key reason for mobility work. The other options describe undesirable outcomes—more pain, increased spasticity, or reduced blood flow—that mobility efforts aim to avoid.