Abstract
[Purpose] In this study, in order to analyze the effect of shoulder joint mobility on spinal curvature during arm elevation, we examined and compared the relationship of arm elevation with spinal curvature in frozen shoulder patients before and after shoulder joint range of motion (ROM) training. [Subjects and Method] With 15 frozen shoulder of 10 men and 5 women as subjects, we measured thoracic kyphosis and lumbar lordosis angles at arm elevations of 0, 90 and 120° before and after ROM training, and compared the results. [Results] Before ROM training, thoracic kyphosis showed significant decreases at arm elevation angles of 90° and above, and lumbar lordosis showed a significant increase at arm elevation of 120°. However, after ROM training, thoracic kyphosis showed a significant increase only at 120° and no significant differences in lumbar lordosis were found at any arm elevation angles. [Conclusion] An unphysiological extension of the spine occurred at arm elevations of 90° or more, therefore frozen shoulder results in excessive extension of the spine, suggesting that the mutual interaction of thoracolumbar vertebrae in response to arm elevation is dependent on shoulder joint ROM.
