The Immediate Effect of Humerus Anatomical Neck-shaft Rotation on Glenohumeral Joint Contracture

[Purpose] Elderly female patients with glenohumeral joint (GHJ) contracture, forced into prolonged immobility were examined. Range of motion exercises using humerus anatomical neck-shaft rotation were performed, and the immediate effect and adaptation were investigated. [Subjects and Methods] A total of ten individuals with a mean age of 79.4 ± 11.0 years were included in this study. The controlled intervention involved conventional range of motion exercises, and the experimental intervention involved humerus anatomical neck-shaft rotation. Each exercise was performed 30 times. Shoulder joint flexion and abduction and external rotation of the GHJ range of motion were measured with the scapula fixed. Each change in range of motion was compared using ANOVA; less than 5% was considered significant. [Results] After the experimental intervention, significant increases were seen in shoulder joint flexion, abduction, and external rotation ranges of motion. [Conclusion] Therefore, this method was effective as a means of improving the range of motion of the GHJ.