Effects of a Scapular-focused Exercise Protocol for Patients With Rotator Cuff Related Pain Syndrome - a Randomized Clinical Trial
Overview
- Phase
- Not Applicable
- Intervention
- Not specified
- Conditions
- Rotator Cuff Syndrome of Shoulder and Allied Disorders
- Sponsor
- NOVA School of Science and Technology ı FCT NOVA
- Enrollment
- 60
- Locations
- 1
- Primary Endpoint
- DASH disabilities of the arm, shoulder and hand
- Status
- Completed
- Last Updated
- 3 years ago
Overview
Brief Summary
Background: Current clinical practice still lacks consistent evidence in the physiotherapy management of Rotator cuff related pain syndrome (RCS). The purpose of this trial was to compare the effectiveness of a scapular-focused treatment with and without real-time electromyographic biofeedback (EMGBF) to a control therapy in patients with RCS.
Methods: 60 patients with RCS were divided into three groups: scapular-focused exercise protocol group (P_G n=20), scapular-focused exercise protocol with EMGBF group (P+EMGBF_G n=20) and control therapy group (CT_G n=20). Values of pain and function [Shoulder Pain and Disability Index (SPADI) questionnaire, complemented by the Numeric Pain Rating Scale (NPRS) and Disabilities of the Arm, Shoulder and Hand (DASH) questionnaire], scapular stabilizer neuromuscular control (SSNC), scapular stabilizer activation onset (SSAO), dynamic scapular alignment, range of motion (ROM) and glenohumeral flexor and abductor muscle strength (GMS) were assessed at baseline and after 6-weeks and compared within and between groups.
Detailed Description
In order to advance the understanding of the value of scapular-focused exercise for rotator cuff related syndrome, a new trial was designed with the main objective of comparing pain and function outcomes between three different treatment protocols for patients with RCS: P_G - Scapular-focused exercise protocol without electromyographic biofeedback (EMGBF) P+EMGBF_G - Scapular-focused exercise protocol supported by real-time EMGBF CT_G - Control therapy group with manual therapy (glenohumeral joint physiologic and accessory mobilization) , massage to reduce upper trapezius (UT) stiffness, and shoulder rotation strengthening into external rotation Every outcomes was assessed at the beginning of treatment, and then, weekly until completed 6 weeks of treatment.
Investigators
Ricardo Matias
PhD
NOVA School of Science and Technology ı FCT NOVA
Eligibility Criteria
Inclusion Criteria
- •1- age between 18 and 60 years; 2 - primary complaint of shoulder pain 3 - RCS clinical diagnosis
Exclusion Criteria
- •neurological symptoms;
- •positive thoracic outlet syndrome (screened with Allen's and Adson's tests);
- •history of shoulder surgery or fracture;
- •structural injuries confirmed by imaging (e.g. ligaments and labrum);
- •symptoms reproduced by cervical examination;
- •unable to commit to scheduled treatments;
- •Anti-inflammatory drug use
Outcomes
Primary Outcomes
DASH disabilities of the arm, shoulder and hand
Time Frame: At 6 weeks after the treatment protocol (final assessment)
From zero (better score) to 100 (worst score)
NPRS numeric pain rating scale
Time Frame: At 6 weeks after the treatment protocol (final assessment)
From zero (better score) to 10 (worst score)
SPADI shoulder pain and disability index
Time Frame: At 6 weeks after the treatment protocol (final assessment)
From zero (better score) to 100 (worst score)
Secondary Outcomes
- dynamic scapular alignment(At 6 weeks after the treatment protocol (final assessment))
- range of motion(At 6 weeks after the treatment protocol (final assessment))
- scapular stabilizer activation onset(At 6 weeks after the treatment protocol (final assessment))
- scapular stabilizer neuromuscular control(At 6 weeks after the treatment protocol (final assessment))
- glenohumeral flexor and abductor muscle strength(At 6 weeks after the treatment protocol (final assessment))