Effects of a Movement Training for Subacromial Pain Syndrome
Effects of a Movement Training for Subacromial Pain Syndrome
Objectives: Evaluate the effects of a rehabilitation program based on movement training on
 symptoms, functional limitations and acromiohumeral distance (AHD) in individuals with SPS.

 Methods: Twenty-five participants with SPS participated in a 6-week program. Outcomes of both
 groups were evaluated at baseline and 6 weeks. Changes in symptoms and functional limitations
 were assessed. Changes in AHD for both groups were assessed using ultrasonographic measures.
Background: Multiple factors have been associated with the presence of a subacromial pain
 syndrome (SPS), including deficits in performance of scapular and glenohumeral muscles. Such
 deficits can lead to inadequate kinematics and decreased acromiohumeral distance (AHD).
 Exercises that aim at correcting these deficits, such as movement training, were suggested to
 improve symptoms and functional limitations. To date, few studies have assessed outcomes
 following an intervention focused on movement training.

 Objectives: Evaluate the effects of a rehabilitation program based on movement training on
 symptoms, functional limitations and AHD in individuals with SPS.

 Design: Prospective single group pre-post design. Methods: Twenty-five participants with SPS
 (SPS group) participated in a 6-week program. Twenty asymptomatic volunteers were recruited
 for normative AHD values (control group). Outcomes of both groups were evaluated at baseline
 and 6 weeks, i.e. immediately following intervention for the SPS group. Changes in symptoms
 and functional limitations for SPS group were assessed using the Western Ontario Rotator Cuff
 index (WORC) and Disability of the Arm Shoulder and Hand questionnaire (DASH). Changes in AHD
 for both groups were assessed using ultrasonographic measures.
Inclusion Criteria:

 -  painful arc of movement during flexion or abduction

 -  positive Neer or Kennedy-Hawkins impingement signs

 -  pain on resisted lateral rotation, abduction or empty can test.

 Exclusion Criteria:

 -  previous shoulder surgery

 -  shoulder pain reproduced by neck movement

 -  clinical signs of full-thickness RC tears

 -  shoulder capsulitis.