Related Experiment Video
Updated: Mar 12, 2026

Rat Model of Adhesive Capsulitis of the Shoulder
Published on: September 28, 2018
Quantifying Range-of-Motion Changes Across 4 Simulated Measurements of the Glenohumeral Joint Posterior Capsule: An
Abstract:
Study Design Repeated-measures controlled laboratory cadaveric study. Background There is a lack of information about the most sensitive measure of glenohumeral joint posterior capsule length. Although maximum strains on the glenohumeral joint posterior capsule are observed in measurements combining glenohumeral joint flexion and internal rotation (IR), the range-of-motion (ROM) change after experimental contracture has never been compared across commonly used posterior capsular measurements. Objectives To evaluate the IR ROM change across 4 glenohumeral joint posterior capsule measurements after experimental capsule shrinkage using radiofrequency thermal energy. Methods Repeated measures of ROM across 4 test positions were compared after progressive experimental contracture of the posterior capsule in 12 cadaver shoulders. The ROM data were collected with a 3-D motion-capture device and evaluated using repeated-measures analysis of variance. Results Overall, ROM decreased after experimental capsular contracture. There was a significant interaction effect between test and condition (F = 4.26, P = .01). Two of the 4 tests, those that combined humeral flexion and IR, detected significant reductions in the ROM following experimental capsular contracture. Conclusion Greater ROM change was observed in tests combining flexion and IR of the glenohumeral joint after experimental posterior capsular contracture. These tests appear more responsive to capsular-length change. J Orthop Sports Phys Ther 2016;46(12):1080-1085. Epub 29 Oct 2016. doi:10.2519/jospt.2016.6440.
Related Concept Videos
Anatomical Movements
Here are some common anatomical movements:
Flexion and extension motions are in the sagittal (anterior–posterior) plane of motion. These movements take place at the shoulder, hip, elbow, knee, wrist,...
Knee Joint
A total of seven ligaments support the knee joint. The patellar ligament, which is also attached to the quadriceps femoris...
Joints
Structural joint classifications are based on the material that makes up the joint as well as whether or not the joint contains a space between the bones. Joints are structurally classified as fibrous, cartilaginous, or synovial.
Fibrous Joints Are Immovable
The bones of a...
Muscles that Move the Arm
The pectoralis major has two origins. Its clavicular head originates on the medial half of the clavicle. In contrast, the sternocostal head originates on the costal cartilages of ribs 1-6, the sternum, and the aponeurosis of the external oblique of the...
Muscles of the Shoulder
Anterior Thoracic Muscles
The anterior thoracic muscles include the serratus anterior, subclavius, and...
Articulations of the Vertebral Column

