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Completed

NCT Number: NCT01518504

Effects of Thoracic Mobilization on Shoulder Range of Motion

The purpose of this study is to investigate the effect of thoracic spine joint manipulation versus a sham intervention on active and passive shoulder flexion (elevation), external rotation, and internal rotation range of motion.

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Key information

Conditions

Shoulder Range of Motion in Healthy Individuals

Age range

19 year–45 year

Sex eligibility

All sexes

Study type

Interventional

Phase

Not applicable

Primary location

Creighton University

Omaha, Nebraska, 68178, United States

About this study

Many individuals who have a primary complaint of shoulder pain often demonstrate deficits in glenohumeral and scapulothoracic mobility. Typically individuals will have limitations in shoulder range of motion, specifically, flexion (elevation) as well as external and internal rotation. Although the glenohumeral joint is the primary joint for shoulder motion adjacent joints such as the sternoclavicular, acromioclavicular, scapulothoracic, and thoracic spine also contribute to maximal shoulder motion. Limited shoulder motion may be a result of joint hypomobility, muscle inhibition, or pain. Typically interventions such as stretching and joint mobilization/manipulation are directed at the glenohumeral joint to improve shoulder motion, but little is known about interventions targeting adjacent sites which may also improve shoulder range of motion. This study will evaluate the effect of thoracic spine joint manipulation on active and passive shoulder range of motion.

Who can participate

Healthy volunteers accepted: Yes

Only the study team can determine whether someone qualifies for participation.

Inclusion criteria

  • Adults 19-45 years

Exclusion criteria

  • Individuals who are pregnant
  • History of cervical or thoracic surgery
  • Bone or joint disease
  • Current infection or tumor
  • Osteopenia/osteoporosis
  • Spinal fracture
  • Rheumatologic pathologies

Treatment and study plan

thoracic mobilization

Other

The subject will be in a prone position and the physical therapist will first identify the upper thoracic spine region. The physical therapist will then cross his or her hands and place them on opposite sides of the spinous processes using the pisiforms as the contact area. The subject will be asked to exhale and upon exhalation the physical therapist will apply a small amplitude, quick thrust at end of range.

Other names: manipulation, Grade V joint mobilization, small amplitude, quick thrust mobilization/manipulation

SHAM

Other

The subject will be in a prone position and the physical therapist will first identify the upper thoracic spine region. The physical therapist will then cross his or her hands and place them on opposite sides of the spinous processes using the pisiforms as the contact area. The subject will be asked to exhale and upon exhalation the physical therapist will not apply any other force than light hand contact.

Primary outcomes

  1. Changes in Shoulder Range of motion

    Time frame: Single Study Visit

    To determine changes in shoulder active and passive range of motion following one of two intervention protocols. Changes will be measured by examining shoulder range of motion in three directions: Shoulder flexion, internal rotation and external rotation.

    We hypothesize that the use of a thoracic spine joint manipulation will increase shoulder range of motion in flexion (elevation) as well as external and internal rotation to a greater degree than a sham mobilization.

Sponsors and collaborators

Lead sponsor

Creighton University

Other

Registry information

Important dates

Study start
2011
Primary completion
2012
Study completion
2012
First posted
Jan 26, 2012
Registry last updated
Nov 21, 2012

OpenTrials presents study information sourced from ClinicalTrials.gov. The official registry record should be consulted for the latest information.

View the official ClinicalTrials.gov record (opens in a new tab)

This listing is for discovery and informational purposes only. It is not medical advice, does not guarantee that a study is recruiting, and does not determine eligibility. Contact the study team and a qualified healthcare professional when considering participation.