Musculoskeletal chronic shoulder disorders Musculoskeletal Diseases Musculoskeletal chronic shoulder disorders
Conditions
Interventions
The initial sample size is based on the assumption that the overall score of the primary outcome measure DASH shows a mean improvement of 15 points [SD = 22]. To test the null hypothesis of equality o
Sponsors
Radboud University Nijmegen Medical Centre (The Netherlands)
Eligibility
Inclusion criteria
Inclusion criteria: Between September 2007 and September 2008, all consecutive patients referred to a physical therapy practice specialised in the treatment of individuals with musculoskeletal disorders of the neck, shoulder and arm are potential study participants. The referring physicians include general practioners, orthopaedic surgeons, neurologists and physiatrists. Patients are eligible if they: 1. Have unilateral shoulder complaints (described as pain felt in the shoulder or upper arm) for at least six months 2. Present with persistent shoulder pain that has not spontaneously recovered 3. Are between 18 and 65 years old 4. Because the questionnaires are in the Dutch language, subjects must understand written and verbal Dutch
Exclusion criteria
Exclusion criteria: 1. Diagnosed (prior to the referral) with: 1.1. Shoulder instability 1.2. Shoulder fractures 1.3. Systemic diseases (such as rheumatoid arthritis, Reiter?s syndrome, diabetes) 2. Medical history or examination suggests neurological diseases 3. Other severe medical or psychiatric disorders The project leader will check all the available information from referral letters, additional information from the general practitioner and from the patients.
Design outcomes
Primary
| Measure | Time frame |
|---|---|
| The overall score of the DASH (Disability of Arm Shoulder and Hand) questionnaire - Dutch language version will be used as the primary outcome measure. Timepoints: T0 = baseline T1 = 6 weeks later T2 = 12 weeks later T3 = 26 weeks T4 = 52 weeks | — |
Secondary
| Measure | Time frame |
|---|---|
| 1. The total number of shoulder muscles with MTrPs will be counted and compared to the baseline measurement findings 2. Passive range of motion of the shoulder will be measured by an handheld digital inclinometer (The Saunders group Inc, Chaska, MN) 3. The total number of treatment sessions will be counted Timepoints: T0 = baseline T1 = 6 weeks later T2 = 12 weeks later T3 = 26 weeks T4 = 52 weeks | — |
Countries
Netherlands
Outcome results
None listed