Effectiveness of a shoulder wheel when combined with an overhead pulley for Frozen shoulder condition: a Pilot Study

Abstract

Context: Frozen shoulder is a condition caused by the inflammation and thickening of the joint membrane. This results in inflammation, pain and a decrease in the range of motion of the shoulder joint.
Objectives: To study the effectiveness of a shoulder wheel when combined with an overhead pulley.
Materials and Methods: Two participants with frozen shoulders were randomly divided into participant 1 and participant 2. Participant 1 exercised with a shoulder wheel combined with an overhead pulley, and participant 2 exercised with a shoulder wheel and independent
overhead pulley within our physical therapy department. Both participants were scheduled as follows: 30 minutes per trial, 3 times per week for 5 weeks (a trial had 2 sessions: exercise with a shoulder wheel for 15 minutes, followed by overhead pulley exercises for 15 minutes).
All variables, e.g., the range of motion and flexibility of the shoulder joint, were compared for each participant before and after their exercises. Variables were also compared between participant 1 and participant 2. Results: After exercise results in both participants were statistically significant – an increased range of motion of the shoulder flexions, abduction and external rotation. When all variables were compared after exercise by both participants, it was found that participant 1 had a
significantly higher range of motion of the shoulder flexions, abduction and flexibility than
participant 2 (p = 0.00, p = 0.00 and p = 0.00, respectively).
Conclusions: Shoulder exercise with a shoulder wheel combined with an overhead pulley can substitute the shoulder wheel and overhead pulley at the physical therapy department.It is easy to craft from simple materials, and reduces the cost of traveling for treatment. This model can reduce chronic shoulder problems and improves the quality of life for people with frozen shoulder.