Dosage of joint mobilisation for the management of rotator cuff-related shoulder pain: protocol for a scoping review

Abstract

IntroductionRotator cuff-related shoulder pain is the most common diagnosis of shoulder pain, which ranks as the third most common musculoskeletal disorder. The first-line treatment for patients with rotator cuff-related shoulder pain is physiotherapy, and joint mobilisation is widely used in conjunction with other modalities. The type and dosage of joint mobilisations could influence treatment outcomes for patients with rotator cuff-related shoulder pain, although research evidence is inconclusive.ObjectivesTo (1) systematically search, identify and map the reported type and dosage of joint mobilisations used in previous studies for the management of patients with rotator cuff-related shoulder pain; and (2) summarise the rationale for adopting a specific joint mobilisation dosage.Methods and analysisWe will follow the methodological framework outlined by Arksey and O’Malley and report the results as per the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses Extension for Scoping Reviews guideline. Two authors will independently screen and extract data from the six databases: PubMed, Scopus, Web of Science, CINAHL, Cochrane Library and SPORTDiscus, with publication date from their inceptions to 25 August 2021. A third author will be consulted if the two authors disagree about the inclusion of any study in the review. We will summarise the results using descriptive statistics and qualitative thematic analysis.Ethics and disseminationEthical approval is not required for this protocol. Mapping and summarising the reported type and dosage of joint mobilisations for patients with rotator cuff-related shoulder pain from previous studies will provide a foundation for further optimal selection of type and dosage of joint mobilisations for treating patients with rotator cuff-related shoulder pain. The review is part of an ongoing research that focuses on joint mobilisation for patients with rotator cuff-related shoulder pain. The results will be disseminated through presentations at academic conferences and a peer-reviewed publication.

Initial effect of high-volume mobilisation with movement on shoulder range of motion and pain in patients with rotator cuff-related shoulder pain: protocol for a randomised controlled trial (Evolution Trial)

“…Given the dosage of MWM could affect the effectiveness of treatment, 55 we will explore the initial treatment effects of high versus low-volume MWM on the angular onset of pain and pain intensity in patients with RCRSP. This study is a step towards advancing knowledge in the field of MWM and shoulder rehabilitation for patients with RCRSP who respond positively to MWM.…”

“…54 Therefore, we chose a sham MWM treatment as the comparator rather than no treatment as we want to evaluate the specific effects of MWM. 54 Given the dosage of MWM could affect the effectiveness of treatment, 55 we will explore the initial treatment effects of high versus low-volume MWM on the angular onset of pain and pain intensity in patients with RCRSP.…”

Effect of Maitland and Mulligan mobilization on pain, range of motion and disability in patients with rotator cuff syndrome: a randomized clinical trial protocol

“…Grade V mobilisation, also known as manipulation, is a thrust technique that uses high velocity and low amplitude forces. 12 Mulligan mobilisation is one of the techniques utilised for joint mobilisation. The Mulligan idea is a joint mobilisation approach that involves continuous active movement and continuous gliding when the joint is in a weight-bearing posture.…”