Thesis (Ph.D.) - Cairo University - Faculty of Physical Therapy - Department of Basic Sciences

Background: Adhesive capsulitis is a pathologic process in which contracture of the glenohumeral capsule is a hallmark. Clinically, it is diagnosed as pain, tenderness, stiffness, and limited range of motion (ROM) , joint dysfunction of the affected shoulder. Purpose of this study was to investigate the effect of intermittent stretching on shoulder ROM ,pain intensity level, shoulder function level and hand grip strength in adhesive capsulitis patients Subjects: Thirty patients from both sexes were diagnosed with adhesive capsulitis stage two , aged 40 to 55 years old . Method: Subjects were randomly divided into two groups (fifteen patients each) ; group) A((control group) received conventional physical therapy program that included Infrared, ultra-sonic , mobilization exercise home education program . Group )B (received conventional physical therapy program as group (A) in addition to intermittent stretching technique.The treatment was applied three days/week for four weeks. Measurement pain intensity level was assessed by numeric rating pain scale , patients' ROM was assessed by Goniometer-Pro App , hand grip strength was assessed by jammer hand dynamometer and shoulder function level by The American Shoulder and Elbow Surgeons Evaluation Form. Measurements were done in two intervals: before and after treatment. Results: There were statistical differences among the two groups, where group (B) showed improvement in pain intensity level, shoulder function level, ROM, and hand grip strength than group(A)

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