The Effects of Scapular Mobilization in Patients With Subacromial Impingement Syndrome

The goal of this study was to determine the effects of scapular mobilization on function, pain, range of motion and satisfaction in patients with subacromial impingement syndrome. 66 participants (mean age= χ±SD=52.06 ± 3.71 years) with subacromial impingement syndrome signed up for this study. Participants randomized into three groups, which include scapular mobilization, sham scapular mobilization and supervised exercise. Prior to the interventions transcutaneous electrical stimulation and hot pack were applied to all groups. Total intervention duration for all groups was three weeks with a total of nine treatment sessions. Shoulder function and pain intensity were primary outcome measures; range of motion and participant satisfaction were secondary outcome measures. Shoulder function was assessed with short form of the disability of arm shoulder and hand questionnaire (DASH). Visual analog scale was used for evaluating pain severity. Active range of motion was measured with universal goniometer. 7-point likert scale was used to evaluate satisfaction. Outcome measurements were performed at baseline, prior to 5th visit, 10th visit, 4 weeks after 9th visit, and 8 weeks after 9th visit. Our results showed that there was no group difference for DASH score (p=. 75), pain at rest (p=. 41), pain with activity (p=. 45), pain at night (p=. 74) and shoulder flexion (p=. 65), external rotation (p=. 63), internal rotation (p=. 19). There was a significant increase in shoulder motions and function, a significant reduction in pain across time when all groups were combined (p=.05).

The study did not find any significant advantage of scapular mobilization for shoulder function, pain, range of motion and satisfaction compared with sham or supervised exercise groups in patients with subacromial impingement syndrome.