Effects of Cervical Manipulation on Cervical Rotation Motion and Shoulder Rotational Motion and Strength in Overhead Athletes

Not Applicable

Completed

• Conditions: Cervical Spine; Manipulation, Spinal; Shoulder; Overhead Athlete

• Registration Number: NCT06903793
• Lead Sponsor: Sacred Heart University

Brief Summary

This study will examine the effects of a single session of a quick stretch technique delivered to the neck on neck and shoulder motion as well as shoulder strength in collegiate overhead athletes.

Detailed Description

Athletes participating in sports such as baseball, softball, tennis, swimming, and volleyball, are uniquely predisposed to cervical and shoulder dysfunction due to repetitive, high-intensity movements that require coordination between the cervical spine, shoulder, and upper extremities. These repetitive motions involve extreme glenohumeral (GH) range of motion (ROM) as well as high angular velocities, often leading to adaptations such as Glenohumeral Internal Rotation Deficit (GIRD). Overhead athletes with GIRD are at a higher risk of developing shoulder injuries.

This study aims to assess the effects of cervical spinal manipulation on cervical rotation ROM, GH rotational ROM and strength in overhead athletes. The current body of literature suggests an association between cervical rotation ROM deficits and arm injury risk in professional and collegiate-level baseball players. Restrictions in the cervical spine may alter neural and muscular pathways, potentially contributing to decreased shoulder ROM, compromised strength, and impaired performance. Given the complex interplay of cervical spine and shoulder function, understanding how cervical manipulation impacts the kinetic chain can play a vital role in developing shoulder rehabilitation and preventative programs for overhead athletes.

Study Timeline

• Study First Submitted: 2025-03-25
• Study First Submitted QC: 2025-03-25
• Study First Posted: 2025-04-01
• Study Start: 2025-04-07
• Primary Completion: 2025-05-13
• Study Completion: 2025-05-13
• Status Verified: 2025-08
• Last Update Submitted: 2025-09-02
• Last Update Posted: 2025-09-03

Recruitment & Eligibility

• Status: COMPLETED
• Sex: All
• Target Recruitment: 20

Inclusion Criteria

• 18 years old and above
• Current overhead college athlete
• No mental health considerations such as generalized anxiety disorder, PTSD, and schizophrenia

Exclusion Criteria

• Upper extremity surgery in the last year
• Current shoulder pain
• Current neck pain
• Recent episodes of vertigo, dizziness, and migraines
• Recent motor vehicle accident
• History of cardiovascular disease such as hypertension, heart attack, stroke, coronary artery disease, peripheral artery disease, arrhythmias, heart valve disease, congenital heart defects, and aortic aneurysm
• Fear or unwillingness to undergo cervical manipulation

Study & Design

• Study Type: INTERVENTIONAL
• Study Design: SINGLE_GROUP

Primary Outcome Measures

Name	Time	Method
Cervical rotation active range of motion	from baseline to immediately post-intervention	Cervical rotation active ROM will be measured using the Cervical Range of Motion (CROM) device
Shoulder Rotational strength	from baseline to immediately post-intervention	Dominant shoulder external rotation and internal rotation strength will be measured using the Hoggan MicroFET2 handheld dynamometer
Shoulder Rotational range of motion	from baseline to immediately post-intervention	Dominant shoulder external rotation and internal rotation passive ROM at 90° of shoulder abduction will be measured using a digital inclinometer

Trial Locations

Locations (1)

Sacred Heart University; 🇺🇸 Fairfield, Connecticut, United States