Effects of Modified Cross-body Stretching on Range of Motion in Glenohumeral Joint

Abstract

PURPOSE: The purpose of this study was to compare the effects of cross-body stretching (CBS) and modified cross-body stretching (MCBS) on the range of motion (ROM) of glenohumeral joint (GHJ) in healthy subjects. METHODS: Thirty subjects were randomly assigned to 1 of 2 groups: CBS group without stabilization of scapula (n=15) and MCBS group with stabilization of scapula (n=15). We measured horizontal adduction and internal rotation ROM of GHJ in pre- and post-intervention. The data were analyzed using the analyses of covariate (ANCOVA) and least significant difference (LSD) post hoc tests (p=.05). RESULTS: In the post-intervention, the MCBS group had a significantly greater increase in horizontal adduction ROM (mean SD, ) compared to the CBS group () (p=.007) and a greater increase in internal rotation ROM () compared to the CBS group () (p=.004). CONCLUSION: A single session application of an MCBS provides immediate more improvements in both horizontal adduction and internal rotation ROM than CBS. These results suggest that application of MCBS with stabilization of scapula may be a more useful to gain ROM of GHJ than CBS without stabilization of scapula.