A comparison of the effects of joint mobilizations versus muscle energy on increasing shoulder range of motion in healthy individuals

The purpose of this study was to compare joint mobilizations versus muscle energy on increasing shoulder range of motion in healthy individuals. The study included 35 healthy individuals, which were placed in one of three groups (22 years +/- 2.296, 67.03 inches +/- 3.709, 164.95 pounds +/- 34.323). Group A received a grade 4 anterior joint mobilization intervention, group B received a muscle energy intervention, and group C did not receive an intervention. The participants each received both a pre-test and post-test range of motion measurements on both shoulders, and the appropriate intervention to only one shoulder. Range of motion was measured with a universal goniometer and Dartfish software. Demographical data was also collected on all participants.;A paired t-test, one-way ANOVA, and multivariate tests were all run at a significant level of p ≤ 0.05 to analyze the data. The results showed there were no significant increases in internal and external rotation with either intervention or the control group. There was also no significant difference between groups and sexes. There were a few limitations to this study which included the sample population, and the instrumentation. This study suggests that future research look at the effect of multiple treatments, measuring all ranges of motion, and studying a population with decreased shoulder range of motion.