Abstract

Objective: To determine the effects of positional Sustained Natural Apophyseal Glide compared to the effect of mobilization in patients with adhesive capsulitis.
Methodology: This randomized controlled trial (Riphah/RCRS/REC/00199) was conducted at department of physical therapy, Maroof International Hospital, Islamabad. The inclusion criteria were patients of both genders with diagnosed frozen shoulder by Apley’s scratch test with age range from 30 to 70 years. The total sample of 45 patients were selected as per inclusion criteria and randomly placed into two groups A and B. The patients in experimental group were treated with mobilization and exercises while patients in control group were treated with conventional therapy along with Sustained Natural Apophyseal Glide (SNAG) and active movement of shoulder done by patient for 3 weeks at single session per day and 3 day per week alternatively. The outcome measures were assessed by Numerical Pain Rating Scale (NPRS), Shoulder Pain and Disability Index (SPADI), Rang of motion. Data were analyzed by SPSS 21.
Results: The total of 36 Females and 9 Males participated in the study with mean age of 54.5±6.311 years. For External rotation, mean rank was 18.95 in control Group while mean rank for experimental group was 26.87 (p=0.041). For Internal rotation, mean rank was 22.23 in control Group while mean rank for experimental group was 23.74 (p=0.697). Pre-median value for ROM (External rotation) was 35±10 while the Post-median value was 85±10 with a mean rank of 0.00 (p=0.00). The Pre-mean value for abduction was 100±30 while the Post-median was 150±5. The mean rank for this value was 0.00 (p=0.00). After 3 weeks intervention, both groups showed improvement in range of motion.
Conclusion: No significant difference was seen in both groups with conventional therapy. Both techniques were effective in reducing pain and improving range of motion.

Key words: Adhesive capsulitis, apophyseal glide, glenohumeral joint.