• Journal of International Academy of Physical Therapy Research
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• v.11 no.3
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• pp.2119-2125
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• 2020

Background: Adults with forward head posture (FHP) often suffer from thoracic hyperkyphosis and thoracic dysfunction, and including reduction of the craniovertebral angle (CV angle) and tightening of the superficial neck muscles. In order to treat thoracic dysfunction, interventions aimed at improving thoracic mobility are necessary. Objectives: To examine the effects of maitland manual mobilization therapy on the thoracic spine in adults with FHP. Design: Single-blind randomized controlled trial. Methods: Thirty adults with FHP who met the selection criteria were randomized to the thoracic multiple joint mobilization (TMJM; n=15) group and the thoracic general joint mobilization (TGJM; n=15) group. Joint mobilizations were performed for 23 minutes a day for 4 weeks continuously, two times per week. Outcome measures were ImageJ, BTS FREE EMG 1000, neck disability Index (NDI). Results: Although changes in the left sternocleidomastoid muscle activity and NDI scores over time between the two groups differed, other variables were noted only changes observed over time. Muscle activity in the right sternocleidomastoid increased again in the TGJM group post-intervention and 2 weeks after the end of the experiment, but changes in other variables were retained or improved, confirming the lasting effects of thoracic joint mobilization. Conclusion: Thoracic multiple joint mobilization may be recommended as a more effective intervention for adults with FHP.

• Journal of The Korean Society of Integrative Medicine
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• v.11 no.3
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• pp.171-183
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• 2023

Purpose : This study sought to investigate research trends regarding joint mobilization type among patients with shoulder joint diseases. Methods : A scoping review was conducted according to the five steps outlined by Arskey and O'Malley and PRISMA-ScR. We searched six domestic databases (ScienceOn, DBpia, Riss, Kmbase, Kiss, KCI) and three international databases (CINAHL, Pubmed, Cochrane central) between 2013 and June 2023. The keyword terms used were 'joint mobilization', 'Kaltenborn', 'Maitland', 'Mulligan', and 'shoulder joint'. Results : There were a total of 44 studies that investigated the topic, and these were divided into quantitative analysis and topic analysis. In terms of publication year, the number of studies within the last five years has increased more than compared to the previous five years, with most of them being randomized clinical trials. In shoulder joint diseases, it was found that the majority of joint movement studies focused on adhesive joint cystitis and shoulder collision syndrome. The Mulligan concept was the most commonly studied type of joint motion. The dependent variables used included pain, joint function (disability), and muscle function. The visual analog scale was the most commonly used for the pain variable, followed by the numeric rating scale. For joint function and disability variables, range of motion was the most commonly used, followed by shoulder pain and disability index, and disabilities of the arm, shoulder, and hand. For muscle function, variables such as muscle tone, strength, and activity were used. Conclusion : We believe that findings of this scoping review can serve as valuable mapping data for joint mobilization research on shoulder joint diseases. Further studies including systematic reviews and meta-analyses based on these results are recommended.

• Journal of the Korean Society of Physical Medicine
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• v.14 no.2
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• pp.41-51
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• 2019

PURPOSE: This study was conducted to investigate the effects of combined Joint Mobilization and Functional Electrical Stimulation on Muscle Activation and Mobility of ankle joints in stroke patients and their Modified Functional Reach Test (MFRT) results. METHODS: A total of 26 patients with stroke were randomly selected for enrollment in this study. (1) Functional Electrical Stimulation (FES) (2) combined Joint Mobilization and FES. An EMG system was used to measure tibialis anterior and gastrocnemius activities. Range Of Motion (ROM) of Ankle Joint and MFRT for Dynamic Balance. Pre and post intervention results were compared by paired-t-tests and differences in changes after intervention between groups were identified by the independent t-test. RESULTS: The muscle activation, ROM, and MFRT differed significantly in the experimental group (p<.05). The ROM was significantly different for the active dorsiflexion pre and post intervention in the group that received FES alone (p<.05). CONCLUSION: The results of this study suggest use of a systematic program of proactive posture control to prevent dysfunction when planning interventions for ankle joints can help stroke patients walk efficiently.

• PNF and Movement
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• v.21 no.1
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• pp.37-45
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• 2023

Purpose: Whiplash-associated disorder is often caused by external impact, such as a car accident, and it involves acceleration and deceleration of the flexion and extension of the neck. The purpose of this study is to determine whether the combination of cyrotherapy and a joint mobilization intervention in patients with acute whiplash-associated disorder is effective for pain, cervical range of motion (ROM), and muscle tone in the neck muscles. Methods: In this study, 20 patients with acute whiplash-associated disorder were randomly assigned to two groups. Group A was treated with cyrotherapy for 5 minutes, while group B was treated with cyrotherapy and a joint mobilization intervention. In both groups, visual analogue scale (VAS), neck disability index (NDI), cervical ROM, and muscle tone values were measured pre- and post-intervention. Results: According to the VAS values, both groups showed significant differences pre- and post-intervention (p<0.05), and in both groups, NDI was significantly decreased pre- and post-intervention (p<0.05). Finally, in terms of muscle tone, both groups showed significant changes before and after the intervention (p<0.05). Conclusion: These results showed that cryotherapy and joint mobilization can be effective interventions in patients with whiplash-associated disorder. In addition, to improve the ROM of the cervical joint and reduce NDI, the combination of cryotherapy and joint mobilization is considered more effective than the single intervention of cryotherapy.

• The Journal of Korean Academy of Orthopedic Manual Physical Therapy
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• v.23 no.2
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• pp.9-16
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• 2017

Background: The purpose of this study was to investigate the relationship between the spine and the flat-foot, the stability and the alignment of the posture of the neck to prevent the alignment of the ankle joint operation and the lower back flexibility of the lumbar region according to the type of treatment using active stretching of the triceps, back pain, and to see how they affect weight bearing differences. Methods: The subjects of this study were 24 chronic low back pain patients. They were randomly divided into experimental group and control group. In the experimental group, ankle joint mobilization and active scraping of triceps were performed three times a week for a total of 6 weeks. The control group was performed in the same way without articulation. The range of flexion and extension motion of the lumbar spine and pain degree and difference of weight-bearing were measured before and after the experiment. Results: The model of ankle joint mobilization and calf muscle elongation of flat foot significantly improved the range of flexion and extension motion of the vertebrae (p<.05) and the VAS and distribution of weight-bearing were decreased in both of two groups (p<.05). In other words, the exercise and mobilization help to recover of the balance of the whole musculoskeletal, the vertebrae. Conclusions: The active exercise of the triceps muscle of the lower leg in this study It affects the flexibility of the lumbar spine, the pain and the difference in the weight support of the lower extremities, when we performed ankle joint mobilization for exercise and cramping, pain and the difference in weight support between the two lower limbs.

• Physical Therapy Korea
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• v.27 no.1
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• pp.38-44
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• 2020

Background: Posterior shoulder tightness, which is a problem mainly seen in patients with shoulder impingement syndrome, disrupts the scapulohumeral rhythm between the humerus and scapulae. Objects: The aim of this study was to compare the effects of joint mobilization and stretching on shoulder muscle activity and internal rotation range of motion (ROM) of the glenohumeral joint in patients with impingement syndrome with posterior shoulder tightness. Methods: The research subjects included 22 in-patients with impingement syndrome with posterior shoulder tightness. They were randomly divided into two groups: one group (12 patients) was treated with joint mobilization and the other group (10 patients) was treated with stretching for the posterior shoulder tightness. Each treatment was performed five times a week for two weeks, and there were 15 sessions for each treatment. The ROM of the internal rotation and muscle activities of shoulder joint were evaluated pretest and posttest in each group. Electromyography data were collected from the upper, middle, and lower trapezius and serratus anterior during shoulder abduction of 90°, 120°, and 150°. Results: Both the joint mobilization and stretching groups showed significant decreases in muscle activity in the upper, middle, and lower trapezius on the posttest (p < 0.05). There was a significant difference in serratus anterior at 150° (p < 0.05), but there was no significant difference between group in post-hoc analysis (p > 0.025). The internal rotation ROM was significantly increased in the stretching group compared to that in the joint mobilization group (p < 0.025). Conclusion: This study found that both joint mobilization and stretching for posterior shoulder tightness were effective in muscle activity during arm abduction, also in order to increase internal rotation ROM of shoulder joint, stretching was effective in patients with impingement syndrome with posterior tightness.

• Journal of the Korea Academia-Industrial cooperation Society
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• v.17 no.7
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• pp.326-333
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• 2016

This case study identified the effects of joint mobilization on knee pain, isokinetic strength, muscle tone, and muscle stiffness in an elite volleyball player with a knee injury. The subject had experienced cartilage defects of the left knee joint and underwent surgery to correct the condition. The patient complained of continuous pain in the left knee joint in daily life in addition to pain during exercise. The study was conducted from August 5 to 12, 2015 and joint mobilization was applied to the left knee joint for 15 minutes once a day for 8 days. Knee pain was measured using a visual analogue scale, and the concentric peak torque of the quadriceps and hamstring muscles was measured using an isokinetic muscular strength measurement device. The muscle tone and stiffness of the rectus femoris muscle, vastus medialis, and vastus lateralis on the injured side were measured using a myotonometer. All the measurements were conducted before and after the intervention. Joint mobilization was effective in reducing knee pain on the injured side, increasing the concentric peak torque of the quadriceps and hamstring muscles on both sides, and increasing the muscle stiffness of the quadriceps muscle on the injured side. Concentric peak torque of the quadriceps muscle on the injured side increased a great deal as the number of joint mobilizations was increased, largely diminishing the difference in concentric peak torque between the normal side and injured side. On the other hand, joint mobilization was ineffective in improving the hamstring to quadriceps strength ratio on the injured side. While this study suggests that joint mobilization can be an effective intervention to improve the knee pain, isokinetic strength, and muscle stiffness of elite volleyball players, it should be performed alongside training for an appropriate strength ratio.

• The Journal of Korean Academy of Orthopedic Manual Physical Therapy
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• v.29 no.2
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• pp.69-75
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• 2023

Purpose: This study examined the distance between the coracoid process and the humeral head using an ultrasonography device when shoulder active contraction were applied according to the guided direction in the end range of shoulder mobilization. This study aims to provide essential data on treating shoulder disease patients. Methods: The subjects of this study were 20 adults with healthy shoulder joints. ultrasonography (US) equipment was used to examine shoulder joint mobilization under two conditions: (1) anteroposterior (AP) joint mobilization and (2) superoinferior (SI) joint mobilization. Shoulder active contraction was assessed in the end range. The distance between the coracoid process and the humeral head was measured. A linear probe was used for US; the frequency was set to 7.5MHz, and the US image display method was set to B-mode. The US measurement values were measured in (1) the starting position, (2) the end range position, and (3) the end range position of the shoulder active contraction, and the moving distance was drawn in a straight line through the US image. The distance was determined as the measurement value, and the average values were compared. Reults: The results were as follows: (1) the measured AP Joint mobilization increased by an average of .52cm from the end range of the joint mobilization with shoulder active contraction; (2) the measured SI Joint mobilization increased by an average of .49cm from the end range of the joint. Conclusion: When shoulder mobilization is applied, the distance between the coracoid process and the humeral head increases when muscle contraction occurs through shoulder active contraction in the end range, according to the therapist's guidance. Therefore, shoulder mobilization combined with shoulder active contraction is an effective treatment method for patients with shoulder injuries.

• Journal of International Academy of Physical Therapy Research
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• v.11 no.3
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• pp.2113-2118
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• 2020

Background: Patients with stroke have core muscle weakness and limited rib cage movement, resulting in restrictive lung disease. Objectives: To examine the comparison of effects of rib cage joint mobilization combined with diaphragmatic breathing exercise and diaphragmatic breathing exercise on the pulmonary function and chest circumference in patients with stroke. Design: A cluster randomized controlled trial. Methods: Twenty-four patients were randomly assigned to an experimental group (rib cage joint mobilization combined with diaphragmatic breathing exercise group) and control group (diaphragmatic breathing exercise group). Patients in the experimental group underwent rib cage joint mobilization for 15 min and diaphragmatic breathing exercise for 15 min. The control group underwent diaphragmatic breathing exercise for 30 min. Both groups underwent exercise thrice a week for 4 weeks. The pulmonary function and chest circumference were measured using the MicroLab spirometer and a tape measure, respectively. Results: After the intervention, the pulmonary function and chest circumference significantly improved in both groups. These improvements were significantly higher in the experimental group than those in the control group. Conclusion: Rib cage joint mobilization combined with diaphragmatic breathing exercise improves pulmonary function and chest circumference in patients with stroke.

• Physical Therapy Korea
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• v.25 no.2
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• pp.13-21
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• 2018

Background: After a stroke, the patient may have abnormal muscle tone due to abnormal alignment. Physical therapists have used stretching, neural mobilization other methods to treat patients after stroke. In addition, joint mobilization is also used to stimulation in pathway of cervical segmental region and to normal cervical spine alignment. Objects: The purpose of this study was to determine whether Maitland cervical spine mobilization has an immediate effect on muscle tone and stiffness of upper extremity. Methods: Thirty subjects were divided into a experimental group ($n_1=10$), a placebo group ($n_2=10$), and a control group ($n_3=10$). The Maitland cervical spine mobilization was applied in the supine position. Immediately after the intervention, muscle tone and stiffness of biceps brachii, brachioradialis, deltoid, and pectoralis major were measured using Myoton(R)PRO. In the placebo group, sham mobilization was applied to the fifth and sixth cervical vertebra, and the control group was instructed to control breathing. Results: In the experimental group, significant differences were found in muscle tone and stiffness of biceps brachii and brachioradialis in comparison with the affected side and the non-affected side before the intervention (p<.05), whereas there was no significant difference after the intervention (p>.05). Muscle tone of biceps brachii on the non-affected side and pectoralis major on the affected side was significantly decreased before and after the intervention (p<.05). The placebo and control group showed no changes on the non-affected and affected side, and no significant differences were detected before and after the intervention. All the groups revealed no significant differences in muscle tone and stiffness of upper extremity before and after the intervention. Conclusion: This study suggests that the application of Maitland cervical spine mobilization enhanced muscle tone of upper extremity on the involved side symmetrically, and influenced a decrease in muscle tone.