[Purpose] To compare the influences of the active release technique (ART) and joint mobilization (JM) on the visual analog scale (VAS) pain score, pressure pain threshold (PPT), and neck range of motion (ROM) of patients with chronic neck pain. [Subjects] Twenty-four individuals with chronic neck pain were randomly and equally assigned to 3 groups: an ART group, a joint mobilization (JM) group, and a control group. Before and after the intervention, the degree of pain, PPT, and ROM of the neck were measured using a VAS, algometer, and goniometer, respectively. [Results] The ART group and JM group demonstrated significant changes in VAS and ROM between pre and post-intervention, while no significant change was observed in the control group. Significant differences in the PPT of all muscles were found in the ART group, while significant differences in all muscles other than the trapezius were found in the JM group. No significant difference in PPT was observed in any muscle of the control group. The posthoc test indicated no statistically significant difference between the ART and JM group, but the differences of variation in VAS, PPT, and ROM were greater in the ART group than in the JM and control groups. [Conclusion] ART for the treatment of chronic neck pain may be beneficial for neck pain and movement.

[Purpose] The aim of this study was to determine the synergistic effect of intensive mobilization techniques combined with capsular distension for patients with adhesive capsulitis (AC). [Subjects] The subjects were 53 patients with AC (mean age, 56.0 ± 7.6 years). [Methods] Patients were randomized to one of four treatment groups: intensive mobilization after one steroid injection with capsular distension (IMSID); intensive mobilization (IM); one steroid injection with capsular distension (SID); and general physical therapy only (GPT). The IMSID, IM, and SID groups also received general physical therapy for 20 minutes. All treatments were performed twice per week for 4 weeks. Patients were assessed using the Shoulder Pain and Disability Index (SPADI), Constant-Murley Shoulder Function Assessment Score (CS), Active Range of Motion (AROM), and Verbal Numeric Score (VNS). [Results] There were significant post-intervention differences in all the measured values in each of the groups, except for external rotation ROM in the SID group. The IMSID group showed the greatest differences among the groups. There were significant differences among the means of all the groups. [Conclusion] The most effective treatment for AC was the combination of the intensive mobilization and steroid injection with capsular distension, which helped to control inflammation, extend joint space, and recover ROM.

This study aimed to investigate the effects of exercise-induced muscle fatigue in the unaffected knee joint on postural control and kinematic changes in stroke patients. Forty participants (20 stroke patients, 20 age-matched healthy participants) were recruited. To induce fatigue, maximum voluntary isometric contractions were performed in the unaffected knee joint in a Leg Extension Rehab exercise machine using the pneumatic resistance. We measured static and dynamic balance and lower-limb kinematics during gait. Changes in postural control parameters anteroposterior sway speed and total center of pressure distance differed significantly between the stroke and control groups. In addition, changes in gait kinematic parameters knee and ankle angles of initial contact differed significantly between stroke (paretic and non-paretic) and control groups. Muscle fatigue in the unaffected knee and ankle impaired postural control and debilitates kinematic movement of ipsilateral and contralateral lower limbs, and may place the fatigued stroke patients at greater risk for falls.