title: Characterization of tissue resistance during a dorsally directed translational mobilization of the glenohumeral joint.
abstract: OBJECTIVE
  To quantify forces applied by therapists during dorsal glide translational mobilization of the glenohumeral joint, to determine the relationship of tissue resistance to the load-displacement relation of the glenohumeral joint, and to determine the safety of the forces applied by the therapists during dorsal glide translational mobilization.
  
  
  METHODS
  A fresh cadaver shoulder specimen mounted on a 6-axis load cell was used to register forces applied by therapists during dorsal glide translational mobilization of the glenohumeral joint in a test-retest pattern.
  
  
  METHODS
  Biomechanics laboratory.
  
  
  METHODS
  Twelve experienced orthopedic physical therapists.
  
  
  METHODS
  Not applicable.
  
  
  METHODS
  Forces exerted by therapists during passive dorsal glide translational mobilization in the loose-packed position and in the end range of abduction, with different grades of movements. The movements did not include any manipulation or thrust-type procedures. Simulated dorsal glide procedures were performed by the material testing system to construct the load-displacement curve of the glenohumeral specimen. The corresponding locations of the forces applied by therapists were interpolated and plotted on the load-displacement curve.
  
  
  RESULTS
  The peak force values measured during mobilization were characterized by large intertherapist variability: coefficients of variation ranged from 40.97% to 77.49%. Test-retest reliability for intrasession measures was high (ICC(2,1) range,.90-.94); intersession reliability was poor (ICC(2,1) range,.01-.54). The mean forces ranged from 18.36 to 38.76N. When interpolated to the load-displacement curve, the mean peak forces obtained fell mostly in the toe and the linear elastic regions of the load-displacement curve.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  Force parameters measured during dorsal glide mobilization were characterized by large intertherapist variability with high intrasession and poor intersession test-retest reliability. The mobilization forces applied by experienced orthopedic physical therapists fall safely in the toe and the linear elastic regions of the load-displacement curve.
authors.affiliation: Department of Physical Therapy, Medical College, National Cheng Kung University, 1 University Road, Tainan 701, Taiwan. arthsu@mail.ncku.edu.tw
authors.forename: Ar-Tyan
authors.initials: AT
authors.lastname: Hsu
authors.forename: Larry
authors.initials: L
authors.lastname: Ho
authors.forename: Jia-Hao
authors.initials: JH
authors.lastname: Chang
authors.forename: Guan-Liang
authors.initials: GL
authors.lastname: Chang
authors.forename: Tom
authors.initials: T
authors.lastname: Hedman
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D001696:Biomechanical Phenomena; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D009068:Movement / Q000502:physiology; D026761:Physical Therapy Specialty; D011312:Pressure; D016059:Range of Motion, Articular; D012785:Shoulder Joint / Q000502:physiology*