• Journal of International Academy of Physical Therapy Research
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• v.11 no.3
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• pp.2119-2125
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• 2020

Background: Adults with forward head posture (FHP) often suffer from thoracic hyperkyphosis and thoracic dysfunction, and including reduction of the craniovertebral angle (CV angle) and tightening of the superficial neck muscles. In order to treat thoracic dysfunction, interventions aimed at improving thoracic mobility are necessary. Objectives: To examine the effects of maitland manual mobilization therapy on the thoracic spine in adults with FHP. Design: Single-blind randomized controlled trial. Methods: Thirty adults with FHP who met the selection criteria were randomized to the thoracic multiple joint mobilization (TMJM; n=15) group and the thoracic general joint mobilization (TGJM; n=15) group. Joint mobilizations were performed for 23 minutes a day for 4 weeks continuously, two times per week. Outcome measures were ImageJ, BTS FREE EMG 1000, neck disability Index (NDI). Results: Although changes in the left sternocleidomastoid muscle activity and NDI scores over time between the two groups differed, other variables were noted only changes observed over time. Muscle activity in the right sternocleidomastoid increased again in the TGJM group post-intervention and 2 weeks after the end of the experiment, but changes in other variables were retained or improved, confirming the lasting effects of thoracic joint mobilization. Conclusion: Thoracic multiple joint mobilization may be recommended as a more effective intervention for adults with FHP.

• Physical Therapy Korea
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• v.22 no.3
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• pp.1-11
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• 2015

The purpose of this study was to investigate the effect of lumbar stabilization training and additional thoracic mobilization on pain, proprioception and static balance in patients with chronic low back pain. The subjects of this study were 48 chronic low back pain patients who were randomly allocated to an experimental group 1 ($n_1=16$, lumbar stabilization and thoracic mobilization, thoracic hypomobility), experimental group 2 ($n_2=16$, lumbar stabilization and thoracic mobilization, thoracic normal mobility), and a control group ($n_3=16$, lumbar stabilization, thoracic hypomobility) after a thoracic mobility test. Both experimental groups underwent lumbar stabilization training and additional thoracic mobilization. The control group underwent only lumbar stabilization training. The intervention was performed 3 times per week, 30 minutes each time, for a total of 6 weeks. Thoraco-lumbar joint reposition error was measured using an electrogoniometer and static balance ability was measured using the Tetrax posture analysis system. Subjects' pain level was measured using a 100 mm visual analogue scale. Statistical analyses were performed using a one-way analysis of variance and a paired t-test. Post-hoc testing was carried out with a Bonferroni test. The pain level was significantly lower in both experimental groups compared to the control group. Both experimental groups showed significant reductions in joint reposition error angle (flexion, extension, and side bending) compared to the control group. The static balance level was significantly lower in both experimental groups than in the control group. In summary, lumbar stabilization exercises and additional thoracic mobilization significantly improved the pain level, proprioception, and static balance in patients with chronic low back pain.

• Physical Therapy Rehabilitation Science
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• v.12 no.3
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• pp.278-292
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• 2023

Objective: This study was performed to investigate the effects of thoracic joint mobilization and breathing exercises on diaphragmatic thickness, chest expansion, respiratory function, and endurance in patients with chronic stroke. Design: Randomized controlled trial Methods: The study included 24 chronic stroke patients who were randomly divided into two groups. The experimental group (12 people) performed 15 minutes of thoracic joint mobility exercises and 15 minutes of breathing exercises, three times a week for 6 weeks, 30 minutes each time. The control group (12 people) received 15 minutes of conservative physical therapy and 15 minutes of breathing exercises, 3 times a week for 6 weeks, 30 minutes per session, the same as the experimental group. The experimental and control groups performed the same breathing exercises. To assess training effectiveness, changes in diaphragm thickness, chest expansion, respiratory function, and endurance were measured. Results: As a result, the experimental group exhibited significant improvements in diaphragm thickness, chest expansion, and respiratory function. The endurance mode also displayed significant enhancement (p<0.05), a finding consistent with the control group. However, the experimental group displayed more substantial improvements in non-affected diaphragm thickness and thoracic expansion compared to the control group (p<0.05). Conclusions: Drawing from these findings, breathing exercise which combine thoracic mobilization, will be actively utilized in addition to physical therapy interventions in clinical trials as an effective intervention method.

• Journal of Industrial Convergence
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• v.18 no.2
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• pp.27-35
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• 2020

The purpose of this study was to investigate the effect of cervical and thoracic joint mobilization on cervical pain, cervical range of motion(ROM) and balance in adults with forward neck posture. A total 26 subjects were divided into a cervical joint mobilization group(CMG, n=13) and a thoracic joint mobilization group(TMG, n=13). performed joint mobilization three times per week for four weeks. As for changes in pain and ROM, statistically significant decrease were founded within group comparison(p<.05). In changes of static balance within group comparison, the CMG showed statically significant improvement in right foot on eyes closed(p<.05), while there were no significant changes in the TMG(p<.05). There were no significant differences were observed between group comparison(p<.05). In changes of dynamic balance within group comparison, the CMG and TMG were showed statistically significant improvement(p<.05). In conclusion, the joint mobilization on cervical and thoracic were effective on improving cervical pain, cervical range of motion and balance in adults with forward neck posture.

• Journal of Industrial Convergence
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• v.19 no.3
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• pp.83-90
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• 2021

The purpose of this study was to investigate the effect of scapular stabilization exercise and thoracic joint mobilization on scapular position, scapular motion and shoulder pain and disability index(SPADI) in adults with scapular dysfunction. A total 42 subjects were divided into a scapular stabilization exercise group(A, n=14), a thoracic joint mobilization group(B, n=14) and scapular stabilization exercise with thoracic joint mobilization group(C, n=14) and performed exercise and joint mobilization three times per week for four weeks, total 12 times. As for changes in scapular position among the groups, group C showed statistically significant increase(p<.05). In changes of scapular motion among the groups, group C showed statically significant improvement in shoulder abduction 45° and 90° both(p<.05), In changes of SPADI among the groups, group C were showed statistically significant improvement(p<.05). In conclusion, scapular stabilization exercise and thoracic joint mobilization were effective on improving scapular position, movement and SPADI score in adults with scapular dysfunction.

• Journal of the Korean Society of Physical Medicine
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• v.7 no.4
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• pp.509-514
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• 2012

PURPOSE: This study aims to compare the effects of upper backbone joint mobilization and self-stretching exercise in the patients with chronic neck pain. METHODS: Thirty seven patients with chronic neck pain were divides into self stretching group(SSG, n=18) and mobilization group(MG, n=19). To assess the degree of neck pain, the visual analog scale (VAS) was utilized, and to measure the joint range of motion at the flexion-extension, it was compared and analyzed by using the cervical range of motion (CROM) device. RESULTS: The joint range of motion and visual analog scale of SSG and MG showed significant effects on both groups. In the comparison of groups, there was no significant difference, but it indicated effects on improving the pain and the range of joint motion in MG. CONCLUSION: According to the analysis, not only self-stretching exercise intervening for direct treatment but also upper backbone joint mobilization intervening for indirect treatment are effective to improve the pain and the range of motion.

• The Journal of Korean Physical Therapy
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• v.34 no.4
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• pp.140-148
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• 2022

Purpose: The purpose of this study was to investigate the effects of the scapulothoracic mobilization on subject with lateral epicondylalgia. This was done through lateral slide scapular test, grip strength, visual analogue scale, glenohumeral joint external rotation range of motion. Methods: Before the experiment, Lateral slide scapular test, grip strength, visual analogue scale, glenohumeral joint external rotation range of motion were measured. Scapulothoracic joint mobilization was applied and then measurements were taken again to compared the changes. Results: After applying the scapulothoracic joint mobilization, lateral slide scapular test, grip strength, visual analogue scale, glenohumeral joint external rotation range of motion significantly improved. Conclusion: This study found that the scapulothoracic mobilization was effective in improving functional aspects and pain on subject with lateral epicondylalgia. The results suggest that the scapulothoracic joint mobilization is a significant considered intervention method that could be used for subject with lateral epicondylalgia.

• PNF and Movement
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• v.20 no.3
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• pp.371-381
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• 2022

Purpose: Forward head posture (FHP) is known to cause pain, limit range of motion, and reduce quality of life. Joint mobilization is commonly used to correct FHP. However, no study has compared cervical, thoracic, and combined cervical and thoracic joint mobilization for FHP. The aim of this study was to investigate and compare the effects of each mobilization technique on range of motion in the sagittal plane and pain in patients with FHP. Methods: Forty-five patients were recruited and randomly divided into three groups: the mobilization group (CM; n = 15), the cervical and thoracic mobilization group (CTM; n = 15), and the thoracic mobilization group (TM; n = 15). Each intervention was performed in sets of three and repeated six times. Range of motion and pain were assessed pre- and post-intervention. The cervical range of motion was evaluated using a goniometer, and pain was evaluated using a visual analogue scale and pain thresholds of the suboccipital and upper trapezius muscles. Results: All groups showed an increase in range of motion post-intervention, but the increase in the CTM group was significantly greater than in the CM and TM groups (p < 0.05). Pain measured using the visual analogue scale decreased in all groups, but the decreases in the CM and CTM groups were significantly greater than in the TM group (p < 0.05). The pain thresholds of the suboccipital and upper trapezius muscles increased in all groups, but the increase in the CTM group was significantly greater than in the CM and TM groups (p < 0.05). Conclusion: Overall, our findings suggest that CTM may be more effective than CM or TM for improving cervical range of motion in the sagittal plane and pain in patients with FHP.

• Journal of the Korean Society of Radiology
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• v.9 no.7
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• pp.479-486
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• 2015

This study was conducted to investigate the effects of upper thoracic joint mobilization technique using Kaltenborn-Evjenth concept on the range of cervical and thoracic motion and pain in patients with chronic neck pain. The subjects were divided into a thoracic joint mobilization group(n=7) and a conservative physical therapy group(n=7). Each of the groups received thoracic joint mobilization or conservative physical therapy three times a week lasted for four weeks. The measurements were performed for the range of thoracic segmental motion(SpinalMouse), the pain(visual analogue scale) and the range of cervical joint motion(Inclinometer, Dualer IQ). They were made four times: before experiment, at 2weeks, 4weeks, and 4weeks after experiment.

• Biomedical Science Letters
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• v.25 no.2
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• pp.149-158
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• 2019

The objective of this study was to evaluate the effects of thoracic mobilization (TM) on the angle of thoracic kyphosis, and static and dynamic balances by application period. The subjects of this study were 18 adult males and females (${\geq}20years\; old$) who had the angle of thoracic kyphosis equal to or higher than $40^{\circ}$. A pre-test was conducted for all subjects and TM was carried out. Data were collected before the intervention, 3 weeks after the intervention, and 6 weeks after the intervention. It was measured three times per measurement and mean values were used for the analysis. The results of this study showed that the angle of thoracic kyphosis significantly (P<.05) decreased after applying TM. However, the migration area ($mm^2$) of the center of pressure (COP) in the static balance did not vary significantly. In the case of the dynamic balance, when eyes were open, the migration area ($mm^2$) of the COP significantly (P<.05) decreased after 3 weeks. When eyes were open, the migration area ($mm^2$) of the COP significantly (P<.05) decreased after 3 weeks and 6 weeks. Therefore, an intervention for improving the human body alignment and balance should be applied for a long-term, rather than a short-term, in order to be effective.