Department of Physical Therapy Faculty Articles

PubMed Identifier

29234564

Shoulder External Rotator Eccentric Training versus General Shoulder Exercise for Subacromial Pain Syndrome: A Randomized Controlled Trial

Publication Title

International Journal of Sports Physical Therapy

Publisher

American Physical Therapy Association

ISSN

2159-2896

Publication Date

12-2017

Keywords

eccentric training, shoulder exercise, subacromial pain

Abstract

Background: Shoulder pain affects up to 67% of the population at some point in their lifetime with subacromial pain syndrome (SAPS) representing a common etiology. Despite a plethora of studies there remains conflicting evidence for appropriate management of SAPS. Purpose: To compare outcomes, for individuals diagnosed with SAPS, performing a 6-week protocol of eccentric training of the shoulder external rotators (ETER) compared to a general exercise (GE) protocol. Study Design: Randomized controlled trial Methods: Forty-eight individuals (mean age 46.8 years +/-17.29) with chronic shoulder pain, and a clinical diagnosis of SAPS were randomized into either an experimental group performing ETER or a control group performing a GE program. The intervention lasted for six weeks, and outcomes were measured after three weeks, six weeks, and again at six months post intervention. Results: The primary outcome of function, measured by the Western Ontario Rotator Cuff Index, demonstrated a significant interaction effect derived from a multilevel hierarchical model accounting for repeated measures favoring the experimental group at week 3: 14.65 (p=.003), Week 6: 17.04 (p<.001) and six months: 15.12 (p=.007). After six months, secondary outcome measures were improved for Numeric Pain Rating Scale levels representing pain at worst (p=.006) and pain on average (p=0.02), external rotator (p<.001), internal rotator (p=0.02), and abductor strength (p<.001). There were no statistically significant differences in secondary outcome measures of Global Rating of Change, Active Range of Motion, the Upper Quarter Y Balance Test and strength ratios after six months. Conclusion: An eccentric program targeting the external rotators was superior to a general exercise program for strength, pain, and function after six months. The findings suggest eccentric training may be efficacious to improve self-report function and strength for those with SAPS. Level of Evidence: 2b

DOI

10.16603/ijspt20171121

Volume

12

Issue

7

First Page

1121

Last Page

1133

Disciplines

Medicine and Health Sciences | Physical Therapy | Rehabilitation and Therapy

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Peer Reviewed

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