A 16-year-old had a full leg cast for 4 months, and it is being remove

A 16-year-old had a full leg cast for 4 months, and it is being removed today. Which of the fol-lowing statements made by the client shows the most informed understanding of the effects of immobilization of a muscle on its strength and stamina?

1. “I’m hoping to be back at soccer practice in 3 weeks.”
2. “Walking and riding my bike will help regain the muscle.”
3. “I’ll practice the strengthening routine the physical therapist taught me, so I can play baseball in the spring.”
4. “There was a good bit of muscle and strength loss, but I’ll work at getting it back like it was before the break.”

ANSWER

ANS: 3
Even this temporary immobilization results in some muscle atrophy, loss of muscle tone, and joint stiffness. When a client is immobile or on prolonged bed rest, activity level, activity tolerance, and muscle tone decrease. Appropriate general exercise and specific exercise of the atrophied muscle will increase both muscle tone and overall stamina. Although the remaining options are not incorrect, the answer shows the greatest insight because it provides both a plan and a time line for recovery.