Effects of Mobilization With Movement on Pain and Range of Motion in Patients With Unilateral Shoulder Impingement Syndrome: A Randomized Controlled Trial

• Published in: Journal of manipulative and physiological therapeutics 2015-05, Vol.38 (4), p.245-252
• Main Authors: Delgado-Gil, José A., PT, Prado-Robles, Eva, OT, Rodrigues-de-Souza, Daiana P., PT, MsC, Cleland, Joshua A., PT, PhD, Fernández-de-las-Peñas, César, PT, PhD, Alburquerque-Sendín, Francisco, PT, PhD
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Subjects: Analysis of Variance; Arthralgia - physiopathology; Arthralgia - therapy; Double-Blind Method; Female; Humans; Male; Middle Aged; Musculoskeletal Manipulations; Musculoskeletal Manipulations - methods; Pain; Pain Measurement; Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation; Range of Motion; Range of Motion, Articular - physiology; Rotation; Shoulder Impingement Syndrome; Shoulder Impingement Syndrome - physiopathology; Shoulder Impingement Syndrome - therapy
• ISSN: 0161-4754; 1532-6586
• DOI: 10.1016/j.jmpt.2014.12.008

Abstract Objective The purpose of this study was to compare the immediate effects of mobilization with movement (MWM) to a sham technique in patients with shoulder impingement syndrome. Methods A randomized controlled trial was performed. Forty-two patients (mean ± SD age, 55 ± 9 years; 81% female) satisfied eligibility criteria, agreed to participate, and were randomized into an MWM group (n = 21) or sham manual contact (n = 21). The primary outcome measures including pain intensity, pain during active range of motion, and maximal active range of motion were assessed by a clinician blinded to group allocation. Outcomes were captured at baseline and after 2 weeks of MWM treatment or sham intervention. The primary analysis was the group × time interaction. Results The 2 × 2 analysis of variance revealed a significant group × time interaction for pain intensity during shoulder flexion ( F = 7.054; P = .011), pain-free shoulder flexion ( F = 32.853; P < .001), maximum shoulder flexion ( F = 18.791; P < .01), and shoulder external rotation ( F = 7.950; P < .01) in favor of the MWM group. No other significant differences were found. Conclusions Patients with shoulder impingement syndrome who received 4 sessions of MWM exhibited significantly better outcomes for pain during shoulder flexion, pain-free range of shoulder flexion, maximal shoulder flexion, and maximal external rotation than those patients who were in the sham group.