Indirect influence of specific Kaltenborn glide mobilizations of the carpal joint on a subject with neurological impairments

Herrero Gallego, Pablo; Tricás Moreno, José Miguel; López, Orosia Lucha; Caudevilla Polo, Santos; Hidalgo García, César; De Miguel, Elena Estébanez

doi:10.1016/j.jbmt.2006.11.004

« Previous Next »Journal of Bodywork and Movement Therapies
Volume 11, Issue 4 , Pages 275-284, October 2007

Indirect influence of specific Kaltenborn glide mobilizations of the carpal joint on a subject with neurological impairments

Pablo Herrero Gallego, PhT, Mst OMT
- “Alborada” Special Education School, Departamento de Educación, Cultura y Deporte del Gobierno de Aragón, C/Pilar Cuartero 1. C.P 50018, Zaragoza, España
- Physical Therapy Research Group, Zaragoza University, Spain
- Corresponding author. C.E.E Alborada (Departamento de fisioterapia), C/Pilar Cuartero 1. C.P 50018, Zaragoza, España.
José Miguel Tricás Moreno, PhD Sc, PhT, Mst OMT
- Physical Therapy Research Group, Zaragoza University, Spain
Orosia Lucha López, PhD Sc, PhT, Mst OMT
- Physical Therapy Research Group, Zaragoza University, Spain
Santos Caudevilla Polo, PhT, Mst OMT
- Physical Therapy Research Group, Zaragoza University, Spain
César Hidalgo García, PhT, Mst OMT
- Physical Therapy Research Group, Zaragoza University, Spain
Elena Estébanez De Miguel, PhT, Mst OMT
- Physical Therapy Research Group, Zaragoza University, Spain

Received 14 September 2006; received in revised form 4 November 2006; accepted 8 November 2006.

Summary

Purpose

The purpose of this case report is to identify possible gains in passive range of motion (PROM) after specific Kaltenborn glide mobilizations of the carpal joint, and the possible indirect influence this may have on performance of fine motor activities requiring pincer grasp, in a subject with neurological impairments.

Case description

A 13-year-old boy post juvenile cerebral vascular accident (CVA), with impaired fine manipulative ability in his right hand.

Methods

This case report describes the use of specific manual joint mobilization techniques to improve the PROM in wrist extension and radial deviation.

Results

The increase of PROM in wrist extension and radial deviation, along with absence of pain, enabled the patient to use his right hand more efficiently. These factors may also contribute to improve the subject's ability to successfully execute a pincer grasp.

Discussion

Although the main cause of impaired fine motor function in CVA is of neural origin, restrictions of joint motion may also warrant biomechanical assessment and treatment.

Keywords: Cerebrovascular disorders, Motor skill disorders, Orthopedic manipulation, Special education, Kaltenborn, Evjenth, Glide mobilization