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September 2020

Effects of Thoracic Mobilization and Extension Exercise on Thoracic Alignment and Shoulder Function in Patients with Subacromial Impingement Syndrome: A Randomized Controlled Pilot Study

Authors: Shin Jun Park 1, Seok Hyeon Kim 2, Soon Hee Kim 3

Affiliations:

  1. Department of Physical Therapy, Gangdong University, 278, Daehak-gil, Gamgok-myeon, Eumseong-gun, Chungcheongbuk-do 27600, Korea
  2. Department of Physical Therapy, General Graduate School, Yongin University, 134, Yongindaehak-ro, Cheoin-gu, Yongin-si, Gyeonggi-do 17092, Korea
  3. Department of Physical Therapy, Yongin University, 134, Yongindaehak-ro, Cheoin-gu, Yongin-si, Gyeonggi-do 17092, Korea

Journal: Healthcare - September 2020, 8 (3), 316 (DOI: 10.3390/healthcare8030316)

Introduction: Thoracic kyphosis commonly occurs in subacromial impingement syndrome. This pilot study investigated the effect of thoracic joint mobilization and extension exercise on improving thoracic alignment and shoulder function.

Methods: In total, 30 patients with subacromial impingement syndrome were recruited and randomly assigned to three groups, the joint mobilization group (n = 10), exercise group (n = 10), and combination group (n = 10). After four weeks of treatment, the measured outcomes included thoracic kyphosis using a manual inclinometer; pectoralis major (PM) and upper trapezius (UT) muscle tone and stiffness using the MyotonPRO®; affected side passive range of motion (ROM) using the goniometer (flexion, abduction, medial rotation, and lateral rotation); and shoulder pain and disability index (SPADI).

Results: All three groups had significant improvements in all variables (p < 0.05). Thoracic kyphosis; UT muscle tone; and flexion, medial rotation, and lateral rotation ROM and SPADI were all significantly improved in the combination group compared to the mobilization and exercise groups (p < 0.05).

Conclusion: The combination therapy of thoracic mobilization and extension exercise can be regarded as a promising method to improve thoracic alignment and shoulder function in patients with subacromial impingement syndrome.

 

Keywords: joint mobilization, shoulder, trunk extension, SIS

The purpose of this study was to examine the effects of thoracic joint mobilization and extension exercise mono-interventions and a combination intervention on improving thoracic kyphosis and shoulder function in patients with SIS. Both joint mobilization and extension exercise alone are intervention methods that successfully improve thoracic kyphosis and shoulder function. Meanwhile, the combination therapy of joint mobilization and extension exercise successfully increased thoracic kyphosis, as well as all shoulder functions. Therefore, to improve thoracic kyphosis and shoulder functions in patients with SIS, joint mobilization and mobility exercises are required, and combination therapy should be performed.

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