Comparing the Effects of Pelvic Alignment Versus Diaphragmatic Breathing on Shoulder Range of Motion

Summary

The goal of this research study is to compare the effects of pelvic alignment versus diaphragmatic breathing on range of motion in the shoulder joint in both athletic and nonathletic population. The investigators plan to have approximately 45 participants to take part in this study. Subjects will be assigned into three groups. Group 1 will perform both pelvic alignment and diaphragmatic breathing exercises. This group will be used as the standard or control group. Group 2 will perform pelvic alignment exercise only; and Group 3 will perform diaphragmatic exercises only. The shoulder internal rotation range will be assessed in all three groups. Maximal expiratory rate will be measured in group 3 to assure improved diaphragmatic breathing in subjects. The shoulder internal rotation range in group 2 \& 3 will be compared to the shoulder range of motion in the standard group.

Conditions

• Glenohumeral Internal Rotation Deficit
• Pelvic Misalignment
• Diaphragmatic Breathing

Interventions

OTHER

Pelvic alignment and forceful expiration

The participant will be in supine with feet flat on a wall and the knees and hips flexed to 90 degrees. A standard 5" ball will be placed between the knees. The participant will hold a standard 9-inch balloon in the mouth with one hand. The subject will be instructed to isometrically contract the hamstrings to lift the ischium off the table while maintaining a posterior pelvic tilt. In this position, subject will be instructed to perform isometric hip adduction by squeezing the ball placed between the knees. The subject will then be instructed to breathe in through the nose and blow the air out into the balloon with full exhalation to activate the transverse and oblique abdominals. The participant will hold the breath for 3 seconds while maintaining hamstring contraction, adductor contraction, and transverse and oblique abdominal contraction. This process will be repeated four times. This exercise will be performed once daily under the supervision of the therapist for 5 days.

OTHER

Pelvic repositioning exercise

The participant will be positioned supine with their feet flat on a wall and the knees and hips flexed to 90 degrees. The subject will be instructed to isometrically contract the hamstrings to allow the ischial tuberosities to lift off the table while also maintaining a posterior pelvic tilt. The tailbone should be slightly lifted off the table, the abdominal muscles should be relaxed, and the low back should be flat on the table. While maintaining the posterior pelvic tilt, the subject will be instructed to perform isometric hip adduction by squeezing the ball that is placed between the knees. The subject will hold for 3 seconds and then relax. This process will be repeated four times. This exercise will be performed daily under the supervision of the therapist for 5 days.

OTHER

Diaphragmatic breathing exercise

For diaphragmatic breathing exercise, the subject will be in supine position. The investigator places both hands around the participant's lower ribs and abdominal area. The investigator applies slight manual resistance to the chest and abdominal wall during inhalation phase of breathing.The participant is instructed to apply outward pressure against the investigator resistance and to raise the chest and abdominal wall simultaneously with inhalation. Then participants performs a full exhalation and hold his/her breath for 3 seconds before breathing in again. This process is repeated for 4 breathing cycles. Participants will perform this exercise once a day under investigator supervision.

Sponsors & Collaborators

• University of North Georgia

  lead OTHER

Principal Investigators

• Mohammad R Nourbakhsh, PhD · University of North Georgia

Study Design

Allocation

RANDOMIZED

Purpose

TREATMENT

Masking

DOUBLE

Model

PARALLEL

Eligibility

Min Age

18 Years

Max Age

40 Years

Sex

ALL

Healthy Volunteers

Yes

Timeline & Regulatory

Start

2020-07-30

Primary Completion

2020-10-30

Completion

2020-10-30

Countries

• United States

Study Locations