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Clinical Trials/NCT01518504
NCT01518504CompletedNot Applicable

Effects of Thoracic Mobilization on Shoulder Range of Motion

Creighton University2 sites in 1 country40 target enrollmentStarted: December 2011Last updated:
Conditions

Trial Snapshot

Phase
Not Applicable
Status
Completed
Enrollment
40
Locations
2
Primary Endpoint
Changes in Shoulder Range of motion

Study Overview

Brief Summary

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.

Detailed Description

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.

Study Design

Study Type
Interventional
Allocation
Randomized
Intervention Model
Parallel
Primary Purpose
Treatment
Masking
Double (Participant, Care Provider)

Eligibility Criteria

Ages
19 Years to 45 Years (Adult)
Sex
All
Accepts Healthy Volunteers
Yes

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

Outcomes

Primary Outcomes

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.

Secondary Outcomes

No secondary outcomes reported

Investigators

Sponsor Class
Other
Responsible Party
Sponsor

Study Sites (2)

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