The Most Effective Intervention for Reducing Posterior Shoulder Tightness Acutely in the Post-operative Population

Not Applicable

Completed

• Conditions: Postoperative Posterior Shoulder Tightness
• Interventions: Other: Modified Sleeper Stretch and Pendulum; Other: Horizontal Adduction Stretch and Pendulums

• Registration Number: NCT01810211
• Lead Sponsor: Nova Southeastern University

Brief Summary

This study will look at which, if any, active stretching procedure is most effective at correcting posterior shoulder tightness (PST) in the post-operative population. Posterior shoulder tightness can influence shoulder mobility and function within both a symptomatic and an asymptomatic population. There are previous studies that have examined the effectiveness of different active stretching procedures and their ability to correct PST but only in the asymptomatic population. As clinicians it will be helpful to investigate their effect within a symptomatic population in order to prescribe appropriate and effective stretches within an individual's home exercise program. The study design is a double blinded randomized control trial. During evaluation a passive measurement of PST and internal rotation will be performed. Another therapist, blinded to the measurements, will randomly select which subgroup the individual will be placed in for the first three individuals and this sequence will be followed for the remainder of the participants. At this time the therapist will instruct the individual on the corresponding exercise which they will perform in front of that therapist. The individual will perform this exercise one more time that day and twice the following day and once again upon follow up prior to having internal rotation and PST measured once again. At this point this will be the conclusion of that individuals involvement in the study.

Null Hypothesis1: Stretches are no more effective than no treatment for reducing PST acutely in the post-operative shoulder population.

Hypothesis1: Stretches are more effective than no treatment for reducing PST acutely in the post-operative population.

Null Hypothesis2: There is no significant difference in the reduction of PST between the horizontal adduction stretch and the modified sleeper stretch acutely in the post-operative shoulder population.

Hypothesis2: There is a significant difference in the reduction of PST between the horizontal adduction stretch and the modified sleeper stretch acutely in the post-operative shoulder population.

Detailed Description

Not available

Study Timeline

• Study Start: 2012-09
• Study First Submitted: 2013-03-08
• Study First Submitted QC: 2013-03-11
• Study First Posted: 2013-03-13
• Status Verified: 2014-03
• Primary Completion: 2014-04
• Study Completion: 2014-04
• Last Update Submitted: 2014-09-24
• Last Update Posted: 2014-09-26

Recruitment & Eligibility

• Status: COMPLETED
• Sex: All
• Target Recruitment: 63

Inclusion Criteria

• arthroscopic shoulder surgery within the past two weeks preceding data collection with
• no surgical complications
• age 18-65.

Exclusion Criteria

• total shoulder arthroplasty
• hemi shoulder arthroplasty
• open rotator cuff repair
• shoulder fracture fixations
• those that are unable to perform interventions and or tolerate measurement positions
• those seeking an initial evaluation after two weeks from the date of the surgical procedure.
• younger than 18
• older than 65

Study & Design

• Study Type: INTERVENTIONAL
• Study Design: PARALLEL

Arm && Interventions

Group	Intervention	Description
Modified Sleeper Stretch and Pendulum	Modified Sleeper Stretch and Pendulum	Modified Sleeper Stretch: Individual in supine with operative shoulder abducted to approximately 45 degrees and elbow at 90 degrees of flexion with neutral rotation of the glenohumeral joint. The individual then places other hand on the wrist of the involved extremity and passively moves the glenohumeral joint into internal rotation. Pendulum Exercise: Individual leans over with support from uninvolved extremity placed on an immovable object while involved extremity is relaxed. The individual than rotates their hips in order to allow the involved extremity to create small circles passively in a clockwise direction.
Horizontal Adduction Stretch and Pendulums	Horizontal Adduction Stretch and Pendulums	Horizontal Adduction Stretch- Individual standing with their operative scapula against a wall and rotating toward the side to be stretched to stabilize scapula and the operative arm is relaxed. The opposite hand is placed under the elbow of the involved extremity and assists the operative shoulder into horizontal adduction attempting to bring the hand to the opposite shoulder. Pendulum -Individual leans over with support from uninvolved extremity placed on an immovable object while involved extremity is relaxed. The individual than rotates their hips in order to allow the involved extremity to create small circles passively in a clockwise direction.

Primary Outcome Measures

Name	Time	Method
Inclinometric Measurement of Posterior Shoulder Tightness taken in side-lying	Initial evaluation 3 days following surgery and follow up (no longer than 72 hours from initial evaluation)	During the initial evaluation and first follow up, PST of the operative shoulder will be measured in sidelying using an inclinometer that is attached to the mid-humerus of the patient's involved upper extremity using a Velcro strap. An inclinometer is a small device that is used to measure degrees of motion.

Secondary Outcome Measures

Name	Time	Method
Global Rating of Change Score (GROC)	At first follow up visit no more than a week after surgery	This outcome measure asks patients to rate the overall condition of their shoulder from the time they began treatment until now.

Trial Locations

Locations (1)

Southeastern Orthopedics Physical Therapy; 🇺🇸 Raleigh, North Carolina, United States