Exercise and manual therapy for the treatment of impingement syndrome of the shoulder: a systematic review

Trampas, Athanasios; Kitsios, Athanasios

The aim of this review was to assess whether the quality of randomised controlled trials on impingement syndrome has improved during the last 3 years. Five RCTs were critically appraised using the PEDro scale and the American College of Sports and Medicine guidelines. The authors conclude that there is moderate evidence that supports the use of therapeutic exercises alone in reducing pain and function, whereas there is limited evidence to support the effectiveness of both manual and exercise therapy in combination. Future studies should better define impingement syndrome, based upon well-designed research methodology and the use of validated measurement tools.

Physical Therapy Reviews, Volume 11, Number 2, June 2006, pp. 125-142(18)

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