Advanced search


Search results        Search results      Copy URL to E-Mail

The Effect of Spencer Technique of the Shoulder on Glenohumeral Joint Range of Motion: A Comparison of Athletes and Non-Athletes
Oar, D. P. [4]
Zarilla, A. [2]
DiSilvestro, D. [3]
Buchman, Z. J. [4]
Abouafech, A. [2]
Boesler, D. [15]

Journal: Journal of Osteopathic Medicine Date: 2025/12, 125(12):Pages: A671–672. doi: Subito , type of study: controlled clinical trial

Full text    (https://www.degruyterbrill.com/document/doi/10.1515/jom-2025-2000/html)

Keywords:

athletes [44]
controlled clinical trial [319]
pickleball [2]
range of motion [112]
shoulder [128]
Spencher technique [1]

Abstract:

Context: Shoulder range of motion is essential for the physical well-being of both athletes, professional and recreational, and non-athletes [1]. Osteopathic Manipulative Treatment has traditionally been employed to preserve or improve joint range of motion in the setting of somatic dysfunction. Current literature aims to examine the efficacy of the Spencer technique, but falls short in investigating the technique’s usefulness in patient populations with varying levels of physical activity and joint usage [2]. With this in mind, this study examines how the Spencer technique of the shoulder impacts glenohumeral range of motion in recreational pickleball players compared to non-pickleball players. Objective: To compare the effects of Spencer technique of the shoulder in recreational pickleball players versus non-pickleball players. Methods: Fifty-four 1st and 2nd year medical students were recruited via email and screened via Google Forms for inclusion and exclusion criteria. Inclusion criteria included: being a current 1st or 2nd year medical student at LECOM-Bradenton, attending both range of motion measurement sessions, attending 100% of treatment sessions, if applicable, and attending 100% of pickleball playing sessions, if applicable. Exclusion criteria included: if they cannot sign an informed consent form, if they have a past medical history of a shoulder injury of any kind, or if they have a serious health condition of any kind that prevents them from participating in vigorous exercise. Participants were then divided into four groups: pickleball players with Spencer treatment (n=12), pickleball players with no Spencer treatment (n=12), non-pickleball players with Spencer treatment (n=15), and non-pickleball players with no Spencer treatment (n=15). Pickleball versus non-pickleball groups were determined by elective participation, while Spencer treatment was assigned randomly. The Spencer treatment groups were treated twice-per-week for two weeks and the pickleball playing groups participated in recreational pickleball sessions twice-per-week for two weeks. With the exception of restricted pickleball playing for those in the non-pickleball groups, all participants were instructed to maintain their normal activity level throughout the course of the study. Measurements of shoulder range of motion in degrees of flexion, extension, abduction, adduction, internal rotation, and external rotation were taken using a handheld goniometer at study onset and two weeks later, upon completion of pickleball playing and Spencer treatment. This data allowed for the determination of the average change in range of motion for all four groups from baseline. Two factor ANOVAs with post-hoc two-sample, two-tail t-tests were used to investigate for differences amongst the four groups in terms of the average changes in shoulder ROM from baseline, in each plane of motion. Results: Of the initial fifty-four total participants enrolled in the study, fifty-three participants successfully completed all study requirements and were included in the data analysis. Statistically significant differences in terms of change in ROM from baseline amongst the four groups were observed for flexion (p=0.0090), extension (p=0.0141), and abduction (p=0.0011). Post-hoc analysis revealed that these differences in change in range of motion were only present when comparing the pickleball and Spencer treatment group, which experienced greater change, compared to each of the other three groups for flexion, extension, and abduction. No significant differences amongst the four groups were observed for adduction (p=0.7580), internal rotation (p=0.0888) , or external rotation (p=0.0501). Conclusion: This study found that two weeks of twice-weekly Spencer treatment of the shoulder paired with participation in pickleball produced a statistically significant greater change in range of motion from baseline for shoulder flexion, extension, and abduction compared to either intervention in isolation, or neither intervention. No significant differences in shoulder adduction, internal rotation, or external rotation were found amongst the four groups. Study limitations include a small sample size (n=53), two-week study duration, and the use of hand-held goniometers to obtain measurements. These findings suggest a complex relationship between activity and treatment, and highlight the potentially synergistic nature of Spencer treatment with recreational exercise in improving glenohumeral joint range of motion. Additional studies are warranted to further explore the interconnected nature of Osteopathic Manipulative Treatment and recreational exercise in improving joint function. With a more complete understanding of how Osteopathic treatment affects different patient populations, with varying exercise habits, Osteopathic clinicians will be better positioned to deliver more personalized care and ensure optimal clinical outcomes.

Search results      Copy URL to E-Mail

 
 
 






  • Impressum • Legal notice • Datenschutz •


ostlib.de/data_tygehrzxbunmqwsvjcdf



Supported by

OSTLIB recommends