Research article
Adhesive capsulitis and dynamic splinting: a controlled, cohort study
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* Corresponding author: F Buck Willis Buckphd@yahoo.com
1 Gaspar Doctors of Physical Therapy, 981 Lomas Santa Fe, Ste. A Solana Beach, CA 92075, USA
2 Texas State University, HPER Adjunct Faculty (at the time of this study), Dynasplint Systems, Inc., Clinical Research, PO Box 92135, Austin, TX 78709, USA
BMC Musculoskeletal Disorders 2009, 10:111 doi:10.1186/1471-2474-10-111
Published: 7 September 2009Abstract
Background
Adhesive Capsulitis (AC) affects patient of all ages, and stretching protocols are commonly prescribed for this condition. Dynamic splinting has been shown effective in contracture reduction from pathologies including Trismus to plantar fasciitis. The purpose of this study was to examine the efficacy of dynamic splinting on patients with AC.
Methods
This controlled, cohort study, was conducted at four physical therapy, sports medicine clinics in Texas and California. Sixty-two patients diagnosed with Stage II Adhesive Capsulitis were grouped by intervention. The intervention categories were as follows: Group I (Control); Group II (Physical Therapy exclusively with standardized protocols); Group III; (Shoulder Dynasplint system exclusively); Group IV (Combined treatment with Shoulder Dynasplint and standardized Physical Therapy). The duration of this study was 90 days for all groups, and the main outcome measures were change in active, external rotation.
Results
Significant difference was found for all treatment groups (p < 0.001) following a one-way ANOVA. The greatest change with the smallest standard deviation was for the combined treatment group IV, (mean change of 29°).
Conclusion
The difference for the combined treatment group was attributed to patients' receiving the best PT combined with structured "home therapy" that contributed an additional 90 hours of end-range stretching. This adjunct should be included in the standard of care for adhesive Capsulitis.
Trial Registration
Trial Number: NCT00873158