Reliability of stiffness measured in glenohumeral joint and its application to assess the effect of end-range mobilization in subjects with adhesive capsulitis

End-range mobilization techniques are recommended for the treatment of patients with hypomobile joints. The purposes of this study were (1) to assess the reliability of a glenohumeral (GH) stiffness measurement technique and (2) apply the measurement technique on subjects with adhesive capsulitis to compare the GH end-range stiffness and rotational range of motions (ROMs) before and immediately after the application of end-range translational mobilization techniques. Fifteen normal subjects were recruited for assessment of test-retest reliability. Four men and two women with adhesive capsulitis in the glenohumeral joint (mean disease duration=6.5 months, SD=2.7) were treated with end-range mobilization by an experienced physical therapist. The passive abduction angles, rotational ROM and GH joint stiffness were measured by the same observer before and immediately after end-range mobilization treatment. The test-retest reliability was assessed and revealed good to excellent reliability in anterior-posterior glenohumeral joint stiffness and fair to excellent reliability of GH stiffness in posterior-anterior direction. The GH joint stiffness decreased and passive abduction range of motion increased immediately after end-range mobilization of the shoulder joint. The use of intensive mobilization techniques may help to decrease the risk of further stiffness or joint contracture progression in patients with adhesive capsulitis.