Skip to content

PNF in Subacromial Impingement Syndrome

The Effects of Different Proprioceptive Neuromuscular Facilitation Patterns on Pain, Postural Changes and Functionality in Patients With Subacromial Impingement Syndrome: A Randomized Controlled Trial

Status
Completed
Phases
NA
Study type
Interventional
Source
ClinicalTrials.gov
Registry ID
NCT04794933
Enrollment
45
Registered
2021-03-12
Start date
2013-12-31
Completion date
2015-04-30
Last updated
2021-06-30

For informational purposes only — not medical advice. Sourced from public registries and may not reflect the latest updates. Terms

Conditions

Subacromial Impingement Syndrome

Keywords

subacromial impingement, posture, pain, Proprioceptive Neuromuscular Facilitation

Brief summary

Although proprioceptive neuromuscular facilitation (PNF) techniques have been used in the treatment of different shoulder problems, PNF techniques in scapular and upper trunk patterns with extremity pattern have not been considered as a possible option for the treatment of Subacromial Impingement Syndrome (SIS). The aim of this study was to evaluate the effects of different PNF patterns in SIS.

Detailed description

This randomized controlled trial was conducted in the Outpatient Clinic of a Physiotherapy and Rehabilitation Department in Ankara, Turkey. The demographic and clinical characteristics of the patients were recorded. Voluntary patients with SIS were regarded as eligible for the study if they met the inclusion criteria. Pain, posture and functionality were assessed before and after intervention. Patients who met the inclusion criteria and agreed to participate were randomly allocated to Group 1 \[Conventional therapy (CT)\], Group 2 \[CT+ PNF in extremity pattern\] and Group 3 \[CT+ PNF in extremity pattern+PNF in scapula and upper trunk patterns\]. A simple randomization method was used with opaque sealed envelopes containing A, B or C. Group allocation was performed by an independent therapist, not involved in the study. All patients received physiotherapy for approximately 60 mins each session, 3 sessions per week for 6 weeks. Conventional therapy consisted of cold pack (15 minutes); pulsed ultrasound therapy (1 watt/cm², 3 MHz, 1:2 pulsed mode; 3 minutes); transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation (60-120 Hz; 20 minutes) and exercises (20 minutes). The exercises included stretching, strengthening and posture exercises. The exercises, and the duration and intensity of conventional physiotherapy were selected according to previous studies which showed that a physiotherapy program 3 times a week for 6 weeks was effective in improving function and relieving pain in SIS. The physiotherapy program was applied to all patients at the same intensity by the same physiotherapist and patients did the exercises every day throughout the 6-week period. The patients were also advised to avoid overhead activities.

Interventions

OTHERConventional therapy
OTHERCT+ PNF in extremity pattern
OTHERCT+ PNF in extremity pattern+PNF in scapula and upper trunk patterns

Sponsors

Ankara Yildirim Beyazıt University
Lead SponsorOTHER

Study design

Allocation
RANDOMIZED
Intervention model
PARALLEL
Primary purpose
TREATMENT
Masking
SINGLE (Subject)

Intervention model description

Patients who met the inclusion criteria and agreed to participate were randomly allocated to Group 1 \[Conventional therapy (CT)\], Group 2 \[CT+ PNF in extremity pattern\] and Group 3 \[CT+ PNF in extremity pattern+PNF in scapula and upper trunk patterns\].

Eligibility

Sex/Gender
ALL
Age
18 Years to 65 Years
Healthy volunteers
No

Inclusion criteria

* patients diagnosed with SIS, * aged between 18 and 65 years, * shoulder pain ongoing for more than four weeks, * loss of active shoulder motion or painful ROM, * no treatment related to the shoulder in the last 6 months.

Exclusion criteria

* history of frozen shoulder, * disorders of the acromioclavicular joint, * possession of a curved or hooked acromion, * shoulder instability, * degenerative arthritis of the glenohumeral joint, * calcifying tendonitis, * post-traumatic disorders, * shoulder surgery and/or elbow, hand, wrist and cervical spine disorders, * diseases that can cause positional vertigo.

Design outcomes

Primary

MeasureTime frameDescription
Scapular stabilityChange from baseline scapular stability at 6 weeksThe lateral scapular slide test (LSST) was applied to evaluate scapular stability. In the first position (LSST 1), both arms are relaxed at the sides with the glenohumeral joint in a neutral position. In the second position (LSST 2), the subject places both hands on the ipsilateral hips with the humerus in medial rotation in 45° of abduction in the coronal plane. In position 3 (LSST 3), the subject actively extends both elbows and places the upper extremities in a position of maximum medial rotation in 90° of abduction in the coronal plane. The inferomedial angle of the scapula is palpated and marked on both the affected and unaffected sides, and the spinous process of the thoracic vertebra in the same horizontal plane (the reference vertebra) is then marked. The measurements from the reference point on the spine to the medial border of the scapula are measured on both sides in all 3 test positions.
Anterior tilt of the headChange from baseline anterior tilt of the head at 6 weeksThe distance was measured from the sternal notch to the tip of the chin with a tape measure.
Rounded shoulderChange from baseline rounded shoulder at 6 weeksThe subject stood in a relaxed position with their heels against a wall. The posterolateral acromion was marked and the ruler was held square. The measurement was taken from the acromion to the wall behind the subject to determine the amount of forward displacement.
Thoracic kyphosisChange from baseline thoracic kyphosis at 6 weeksThe gravity-dependent inclinometer (BASELINEᴿ Bubble inclinometer-USA) was used to measure kyphosis. In the first measurement, the inclinometer was placed over the region of the 1st and 2nd thoracic spinous processes and in the second, over the region of the 12th thoracic and 1st lumbar spinous processes. The total of the angles in each measurement was recorded.

Secondary

MeasureTime frameDescription
Pain severityJust before the treatment and at the end of 6-week treatmentPatients' pain will be assessed for three different situations: at rest, at activity and at night before and after treatment. The patient is asked to mark the severity of pain on the 10 cm horizontal line \[left end(0) = no pain, right end(10)= unbearable pain \]. Data is measured with a standard ruler and results are recorded in centimeters (cm).
Functional statusJust before the treatment and at the end of 6-week treatmentThe numerically-scaled Shoulder Pain and Disability Index, a 13-item self-administered instrument measuring shoulder functional status, was used.

Countries

Turkey (Türkiye)

Outcome results

None listed

Source: ClinicalTrials.gov · Data processed: Feb 4, 2026