Effects of Cervical Manipulation on Cervical Rotation Motion and Shoulder Rotational Motion and Strength in Overhead Athletes

Launched by SACRED HEART UNIVERSITY · Mar 25, 2025

Keywords

ClinConnect Summary

This clinical trial is looking at how a specific neck stretching technique affects the movement and strength of the neck and shoulders in college athletes who participate in overhead sports, like baseball or swimming. The researchers want to see if this quick stretch can help improve how well these athletes can move their necks and shoulders and how strong their shoulders are during activities.

To participate in this study, athletes need to be at least 18 years old and currently competing in an overhead sport at the college level. However, those who have had shoulder or neck pain recently, have undergone upper limb surgery in the past year, or have certain health issues, like heart disease or recent dizziness, won't be eligible. The trial is not yet recruiting participants, but those who join can expect to take part in a single session of neck manipulation and then have their neck and shoulder movements and strength assessed. This study could help improve treatment options for athletes dealing with neck and shoulder issues.

Gender

ALL

Eligibility criteria

• Inclusion Criteria:
• • 18 years old and above
• • Current overhead college athlete
• • No mental health considerations such as generalized anxiety disorder, PTSD, and schizophrenia
• Exclusion Criteria:
• • Upper extremity surgery in the last year
• • Current shoulder pain
• • Current neck pain
• • Recent episodes of vertigo, dizziness, and migraines
• • Recent motor vehicle accident
• • History of cardiovascular disease such as hypertension, heart attack, stroke, coronary artery disease, peripheral artery disease, arrhythmias, heart valve disease, congenital heart defects, and aortic aneurysm
• • Fear or unwillingness to undergo cervical manipulation