Comparison of the Proprioceptive Neuromuscular Facilitation and Mobilization In Subacromial Impingement Syndrome

Comparison of the Effectiveness of Proprioceptive Neuromuscular Facilitation Exercises and Shoulder Mobilization Patients With Subacromial Impingement Syndrome: A Randomised Clinical Trial

Aim of the study was to compare the effectiveness of Proprioceptive Neuromuscular Facilitation (PNF) exercises and Shoulder Mobilization (SM) on pain, range of motion (ROM), functionality, and muscle strength in patients with Subacromial Impingement Syndrome (SIS). Patients received 20 sessions (for 4 weeks) under the supervision of a physiotherapist. Patients were evaluated at baseline, at week two, at week four, and at week sixteen.

Aim of the study was to compare the effectiveness of Proprioceptive Neuromuscular Facilitation (PNF) exercises and Shoulder Mobilization (SM) on pain, range of motion (ROM), functionality, and muscle strength in patients with Subacromial Impingement Syndrome (SIS). Forty-four patients were divided into three groups as Group I: Conventional physiotherapy receiving group (control group; n=14), Group II: Conventional physiotherapy + PNF exercises receiving group (PNF group; n=15), and Group III: conventional physiotherapy + SM receiving group (SM group; n=15). Pain, ROM, muscle strength, and functionality were evaluated by using visual analog scale (VAS), goniometer, push-pull dynamometer, Constant-Murley score and The Disabilities of the Arm, Shoulder and Hand (DASH) Score respectively. Patients received 20 sessions in total under supervision of a physiotherapist. Patients were evaluated at baseline, at week two, at week four, and at week sixteen.

Inclusion Criteria:

• Aged between 25-65 years old,
• Having the diagnosis of Subacromial Impingement Syndrome (SIS),
• Having shoulder pain at least for four weeks

Exclusion Criteria:

• Having a neuromuscular disease,
• Pregnancy,
• History of cancer,
• Unstable angina,
• Having pulmonary and/or vascular problems,
• History of surgery at neck, shoulder, elbow or/and hand,
• Having communication problems
• Having systemic anti-inflammatory joint diseases
• Being contraindicated for electrical stimulation and/or exercise
• Having cervical disc herniation or radiculopathy
• History of physiotherapy on the same shoulder due to SIS,
• A history of corticosteroid injection in the last three months,
• Any orthopedic, rheumatologic, or congenital condition that effects the targeted shoulder