Article

OBJECTIVES: To quantify forces applied by therapists during dorsal glide translational mobilization of the glenohumeral joint, to determine the relationship of tissue resistance to the load-displacement relation of the glenohumeral joint, and to determine the safety of the forces applied by the therapists during dorsal glide translational mobilization. DESIGN: A fresh cadaver shoulder specimen mounted on a 6-axis load cell was used to register forces applied by therapists during dorsal glide translational mobilization of the glenohumeral joint in a test-retest pattern. SETTING: Biomechanics laboratory. PARTICIPANTS: Twelve experienced orthopedic physical therapists. INTERVENTION: Not applicable. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: Forces exerted by therapists during passive dorsal glide translational mobilization in the loose-packed position and in the end range of abduction, with different grades of movements. The movements did not include any manipulation or thrust-type procedures. Simulated dorsal glide procedures were performed by the material testing system to construct the load-displacement curve of the glenohumeral specimen. The corresponding locations of the forces applied by therapists were interpolated and plotted on the load-displacement curve. RESULTS: The peak force values measured during mobilization were characterized by large intertherapist variability: coefficients of variation ranged from 40.97% to 77.49%. Test-retest reliability for intrasession measures was high (ICC(2,1) range,.90-.94); intersession reliability was poor (ICC(2,1) range,.01-.54). The mean forces ranged from 18.36 to 38.76N. When interpolated to the load-displacement curve, the mean peak forces obtained fell mostly in the toe and the linear elastic regions of the load-displacement curve. CONCLUSION: Force parameters measured during dorsal glide mobilization were characterized by large intertherapist variability with high intrasession and poor intersession test-retest reliability. The mobilization forces applied by experienced orthopedic physical therapists fall safely in the toe and the linear elastic regions of the load-displacement curve.

Langue : ANGLAIS

Identifiant basis : 2002219785