The purpose of this study was to determine the effects of unilateral posterior mobilization and unilateral anterior mobilization of the sacroiliac joint (SIJ) on the standing position of the pelvis. Noninvasive methods were used to measure the position of the pelvis of 20 healthy men before and after SIJ mobilization. Ten subjects received posterior mobilization and 10 subjects received anterior mobilization. Two test sessions were conducted to check measurement reliability, followed by mobilization and a third test session. Apparent leg lengths were also measured before and after mobilization. Reliability was fair to high for the measurements. ANOVA for repeated measures revealed significant differences (p < 0.05) among the three tests for two measurements; however, post hoc analysis showed no significant differences between the measurements before and after mobilization. Mobilization had no effect on leg lengths. The benefits of SIJ mobilization should be considered in spite of these nonsignificant results because a small sample size of healthy men was examined, and because small changes in SIJ relationships may be sufficient to relieve low back pain.

J Orthop Sports Phys Ther 1988;10(3):77-84.

Reprinted from Physical Therapy with the permission of the American Physical Therapy Association. [Smith RL, Brunolli J: Shoulder kinesthesia after anterior glenohumeral joint dislocation. Phys Ther 69:106-112, 1989.]

The purpose of this study was to examine kinesthesia in normal (uninjured) shoulders and in shoulders with a history of glenohumeral joint dislocations. Both shoulders of 10 healthy subjects and 8 subjects with a history of unilateral anterior dislocation were tested for accuracy of angular reproduction, threshold to sensation of movement, and end-range reproduction using a motor-driven shoulder-wheel apparatus. An analysis of variance revealed significant differences (p < 0.001) between the injured and uninjured shoulders for all three tests. Post hoc analysis showed significant differences (p < 0.02) between the involved shoulders and all uninvolved shoulders. No significant difference was found among the uninvolved shoulders. The results of this study indicate that kinesthetic deficits occur after glenohumeral dislocation and may result in abnormal neuromuscular coordination and subsequent reinjury of the shoulder. Clinicians should consider rehabilitation of shoulder kinesthesia using therapeutic activation of the shoulder joint and muscle receptors when treating patients with previous dislocations. 

J Orthop Sports Phys Ther 1990;11(11):507-513.

Functional capacity evaluation (FCE) of an injured worker's ability to lift weight guides the determination of whether he or she is capable of handling the physical demands of a job. The purpose of this study was to examine the interrater and intrarater reliability in determining the safe maximum floor-to-waist lift for patients with low back pain during FCE testing. Twenty-one patients with low back pain were evaluated. Patients were videotaped lifting weight in progressive increments using a kinesiophysical approach. Five experienced physical therapists viewed the videotape and judged the lifts for body mechanics safety. Safety reliability was high, indicating that therapists can accurately judge safe lifting methods during FCE. As lifting loads increased, body mechanics deteriorated, indicating the patient was approaching or had reached a biomechanical end point. Clinical information is needed, in addition to visual observations, to accurately determine when maximum lift capacity is reached.

J Orthop Sports Phys Ther. 1994;19(5):277-281.

Key Words: functional capacity evaluation, lift capacity, safety