Immediate Changes in Hip Range of Motion after Mobilization with Movement Versus Static Stretching

Abstract

<h3>Research Objectives</h3> To investigate the pre and post-intervention differences in hip range of motion after mobilization with movement, a static stretch, or control in those with reduced hip mobility. <h3>Design</h3> The study was a three-arm, single blind, randomized controlled trial. Subjects received pre-intervention hip range of motion measurements followed by randomization into one of three groups: [1] a supine hip internal rotation stretch [2] a supine hip internal rotation mobilization with movement or [3] a control. A second Investigator blinded to baseline measurements completed the intervention. Post-test measurements were then obtained immediately after the intervention by an investigator blinded to group assignment. <h3>Setting</h3> The study was conducted in university clinical laboratory. <h3>Participants</h3> A convenience sample of fifty-six (56) subjects with limited hip internal rotation less than 10 degree were recruited. <h3>Interventions</h3> Subjects were randomized into one of three groups: [1] a supine hip internal rotation stretch repeated for 3 bouts of 30 seconds with a 10 second rest between sets [2] a supine hip internal rotation mobilization with movement for 3 sets of 10 repetitions and 30 seconds of rest between sets or [3] a control of lying supine for 2 minutes. <h3>Main Outcome Measures</h3> Hip range of motion including, internal rotation, external rotation, flexion and extension. <h3>Results</h3> At baseline, independent t-tests suggest no significant difference between (p>o.05). Group-by-time interactions revealed a significant difference (p=0.001) for immediate range of motion changes in the hip treatment groups for internal rotation, external rotation, flexion and extension compared to the control group. However, no significant differences were noted between the treatment groups. Within-group analysis revealed significant changes in treatment groups (p<0.001). <h3>Conclusions</h3> A lack of hip internal rotation has been associated with low back pain, hip osteoarthritis as well as sacroiliac disorders. Hip mobilization with movement and a passive internal rotation stretch demonstrated the ability to significantly improve available hip range of motion. Future research should include testing long term effects as well as serial interventions. <h3>Author(s) Disclosures</h3> Authors report no conflict of interest.