Immediate effects of posterior capsule stretching exercise in individuals with total arc of motion deficit

Abstract

Purpose: Total arc of motion deficit (TAMD) is a pathologic process contributing to shoulder injury. The purpose of the study was to examine the immediate effect on joint position sense and range of motion of posterior capsule stretching exercise, which is recommended for TAMD that can be seen in healthy individuals.

Methods: The study included 28 healthy individuals who were diagnosed with TAMD via goniometric measurements. The shoulder with TAMD was accepted as the study group. The non-deficit shoulder was accepted as the control. In order to measure the joint position sense, the angle repetition test was performed using a laser pointer, and the range of motion (ROM) of the shoulder joints was measured using goniometer. After the measurements in both shoulders were completed, the posterior capsule stretching exercise was demonstrated for the shoulder with TAMD. After the exercise was completed, the measurements were repeated for both shoulders.

Results: While no immediate change was found in joint position sense in the study group (p=0.280). Immediate significant changes were determined in internal rotation (p<0.001), external rotation (p=0.021), and horizontal adduction ranges (p=0.003).

Conclusion: The TAMD is a condition that can be observed in healthy individuals. It was found that posterior capsule stretching exercise immediately decreased the TAMD but did not affect the joint position sense. The long-term effects could be examined in further studies.