Affiliations: [a] Cantonal Hospital of Baselland/Bruderholz, CH-4201 Bruderholz, Switzerland | [b] Department of Health, Institute of Physiotherapy, Zurich University of Applied Sciences, CH-8401 Winterthur, Switzerland | [c] International Maitland Teachers Association (IMTA), Zurzach, Switzerland | [d] Schaffhausen Cantonal Hospital, Geissbergstrasse 81, CH-8208 Schaffhausen, Switzerland | [e] Rehabilitation Centre Kliniken Valens, CH-7317 Valens, Switzerland | [f] Department of Health, Institute of Health Sciences, CH-8401 Winterthur, Switzerland | [g] Faculty of Health Sciences, Curtin University, Perth, WA, Australia
Correspondence:
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Corresponding author: Markus J. Ernst, Department of Health, Institute of Physiotherapy, Zurich University of Applied Sciences, Technikumstr. 71, CH-8401 Winterthur, Switzerland. Tel.: +49 58 934 6448; Fax: +49 58 935 6448; E-mail:markus.ernst@zhaw.ch
Abstract: BACKGROUND: Lateral gliding cervical spine mobilisation is shown to improve shoulder
pain, disability and function. However, despite common clinical-use, no
study reports the effect of unilateral anterior-posterior (A-P) cervical
mobilisation on shoulder pain and function, and particularly in patients
after arthroscopic shoulder surgery.
OBJECTIVE: Examine the immediate effect of single-level Grade III cervical unilateral
A-P mobilisation on shoulder pain, flexion and abduction range of motion
(ROM) and external rotator strength compared to placebo cervical unilateral
A-P light touch pressure.
METHODS: Single session intervention with a crossover design in 32 (15 women)
postoperative arthroscopic shoulder patients.
RESULTS: Immediate and superior treatment effects were shown for A-P cervical
mobilisation in improving flexion ROM, isometric strength of external
rotation, and pain intensity during flexion (all p< 0.05) when compared to
the placebo. However, effects may not be considered clinically meaningful.
CONCLUSION: Unilateral A-P mobilisation applied to the cervical spine shows a tendency
toward positively influencing post-arthroscopy shoulder pain and function.
Further study examining cervical mobilisations directed in different planes
to influence shoulder motion appear warranted.
Keywords: Shoulder arthroscopy, cervical spine mobilisation, pain, range of motion, isometric strength
