Article

OBJECTIVE: To investigate the immediate effect of caudal glide translational mobilization on the range of motion (ROM) of passive glenohumeral abduction with a fresh cadaver model to simulate the mobilization movement performed by a physical therapist treating patients with glenohumeral hypomobility. DESIGN: Mechanical simulation of caudal glide mobilization and abduction torque range of motion (TROM) measurement of the glenohumeral joint with 2 material testing systems. Mobilizations were conducted with the glenohumeral joint positioned at a resting position (IGR) and at the end range of abduction (IGE). SETTING: Biomechanics laboratory. CADAVERS: Twenty fresh shoulder specimens from 10 cadavers (mean age, 68 +/- 8yr). MAIN OUTCOME MEASURE: Changes in TROM of the glenohumeral abduction in response to 5 bouts of caudal glide mobilization. RESULTS: At least 3 repetitions of TROM were required to attain consistent measurements on glenohumeral abduction ROM. Significant differences were found among changes in TROM because of rest, IGR, and IGE (Kruskal-Wallis statistics, (chi2 = 14.58, p = .001). A greater increase in glenohumeral abduction TROM was found after IGE (mean +/- standard error of the mean, 4.38 degrees +/- 0.95 degrees) compared with the rest control (0.03 degrees +/- 0.07 degrees; Mann-Whitney test, p = .001, alpha = .017) or its IGR counterpart (0.26 degrees +/- 0.46 degrees, p = .001, alpha = .017). CONCLUSION: This simulation of caudal glide translational mobilization at the end range using cadaver models improved passive glenohumeral abduction ROM but was ineffective when performed with the shoulder placed in a resting position. The mechanical responses of the glenohumeral joint to translational mobilization in a live patient may be similar, but some caution should be used in generalizing these findings.

Langue : ANGLAIS

Identifiant basis : 2001213892