End-range Maitland Mobilization on Glenohumeral Internal Rotation Deficit and Proprioception

Glenohumeral internal rotation deficit (GIRD) is one of the main reasons for glenohumeral pain in athletes with over-head activity. As GIRD increases, the ratio between internal and external rotation changes resulting in decreased joint stability. The occurence of GIRD and decreased joint proprioception may lead to different shoulder pathologies (e.g. Impingement syndrome). Joint mobilization is a possible option for the decrease of GIRD and contribution to improvement of proprioception in addition to physical therapy. Several joint mobilization techniques exists, which can be applied for stretching of periarticular tissues. Maitland mobilization is a well applied mobilization type. The effectiveness of both end-range and not end-range Maitland mobilization in lengthening of periarticular tissues and improvement of joint proprioception has been previously confirmed amongst several diseases. However, the effect of end-range Maitland mobilization on decrease of GIRD and proprioception in addition to physical therapy has not been investigated in volleyball players so far. The aim of this trial is to investigate the effect of end-range Maitland mobilization in addition to physical therapy on GIRD, other joint movements and proprioception.