Evaluation of joint mobilization treatment. A method.

The purpose of this study was to develop and test a method for evaluating the effects of joint mobilization treatment on hypomobile joints. The normal dog carpal joint was used as the experimental model. The right carpal joints of 12 dogs were immobilized for six weeks resulting in joint hypomobility. The study group was divided into Treatment (n = 6) and Control (n = 6) Groups. In each group, passive range of motion (PROM) and the following functions during gait were evaluated cinematographically before immobilization and once weekly for four weeks after immobilization: peak extension and peak flexion of the carpal joint and the amount of time required in the gait cycle to reach these peak points. Additionally, the Treatment Group was given mobilization therapy daily during the four weeks after immobilization. The model proved to be satisfactory for evaluating the effect of mobilization treatment on hypomobile joints with the Treatment Group showing improved PROM and motion during gait. The success of the method should direct further investigation of the effects of mobilization treatment on restoration of joint function.