The usefulness of range of motion exercises utilizing humeral neck axis rotation

Abstract

[Purpose] We investigated the suitability and usefulness of range of motion exercises (ROM-ex) utilizing humeral neck axis rotation (ROTH) for elderly patients with shoulder joint contracture. [Subjects] The subjects were 20 females with an average age of 86.6 ± 7.2 years. [Method] We conducted conventional ROM-ex and ROM-ex with ROTH, 20 times each, and measured the angles of flexion, abduction, adduction, and external rotation (position 1). [Results] After conventional ROM-ex, significant differences were not found; however, we found significant increases in all ROM values following ROM-ex with ROTH. [Conclusion] The results suggest that ROM-ex with ROTH is useful as a method for improving ROM limitation due to immovability.