RecruitingACTRN12615000704594

Exercise intervention for subacromial impingement syndrome. A randomised controlled trial of two rehabilitation protocols.

Is an intervention consisting of up to 3 pain free exercises equivalent to a standard evidence based protocol in regards to pain, function and compliance for patients aged between 30 and 65 with intermittent unilateral shoulder pain and positive impingement tests.

Sponsor

Fairfield Hospital

Enrollment

160 participants

Start Date

Jul 28, 2015

Study Type

Interventional

Conditions

Shoulder impingement syndrome

Summary

Exercise therapy has been shown to be effective in treating subacromial impingement syndrome. The purpose of this research project is to compare two different exercise treatment protocols. The first protocol has been researched and shown to be of benefit. The second protocol has a sound physiological basis and has been used by therapists for many years. This will be the first time it has been the subject of a research project. If proven to be effective the second protocol will simplify the treatment of subacromial impingement syndrome.

Eligibility

Sex: Both males and femalesMin Age: 30 YearssMax Age: 65 Yearss

Plain Language Summary

Simplified for easier understanding

This study is comparing two different physiotherapy exercise programs for people with subacromial impingement syndrome — a common shoulder condition where tendons in the shoulder get pinched, causing pain and limited movement. The second protocol being tested is simpler than the first and may make treatment easier to deliver. You may be eligible if: - You are between 30 and 65 years old - You have been referred for physiotherapy for shoulder pain - Your pain comes and goes and behaves mechanically (gets worse with certain movements) - You test positive on standard shoulder impingement tests You may NOT be eligible if: - Your pain may be coming from the neck or spine - You have been diagnosed with a tumour or cancer - Your pain is from inflammation (e.g., adhesive capsulitis/frozen shoulder) or nerves - You have a rotator cuff tear (confirmed by imaging or clinical signs) - You have had a shoulder injury, dislocation, or neck/upper back injury in the past 12 weeks - You have had a stroke - You have pain so severe that exercise is not possible - You have pain in both shoulders - You do not speak English, Vietnamese, or Arabic Talk to your doctor about whether this trial might be right for you.

This summary was AI-generated to explain the trial in plain language. It is not medical advice. Always discuss eligibility with your doctor before enrolling in a clinical trial.

Interested in this trial?

Get notified about updates and connect with the research team.

Interventions

Subjects will be given individualised exercises according to a protocol that: excludes exercise in the presence of pain and excludes exercises that reduce the subacromial space. There are 2 standard

Subjects will be given individualised exercises according to a protocol that: excludes exercise in the presence of pain and excludes exercises that reduce the subacromial space. There are 2 standard exercises- Elastic resisted adduction and extension and an optional 3rd exercise (internal rotation against elastic resistance). Participants will attend a maximum of 8 physiotherapy session over 12 weeks. No manual therapy is performed at physiotherapy sessions. The initial physiotherapy session will be for 1 hour with subsequent visits being 30 minutes. Exercises are performed as a home exercise programme using elastic supplied to the participant. Subjects are asked to aim to complete the exercises every 2 hrs. Exercises are started at repetitions determined by the physiotherapist with an aim of 10-15 repetitions per occasion per exercise. Physiotherapists are provided with the following directions regarding progression: * Do not progress elastic resistance * Add internal rotation if not prescribed at start of programme * Can increase repetitions up to 20-25 per exercise per occasion * Can increase ROM through which exercises are performed Participants are encouraged to continue exercises after 12 weeks according to previous instructions regarding maintenance exercise. A self reported exercise diary will be used to monitor and record compliance.