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Feedback improves the scapular-focused treatment effects in patients with shoulder impingement syndrome

  • SHOULDER
  • Published:
Knee Surgery, Sports Traumatology, Arthroscopy Aims and scope

An Editorial Expression of Concern to this article was published on 27 June 2023

This article has been updated

Abstract

Purpose

This study aimed to evaluate the effects of scapular-focused treatment with (SFTF) and without (SFT) feedback on pain, function, and scapular kinematics in patients with Shoulder Impingement Syndrome (SIS).

Methods

Seventy-five males and females with SIS were randomly assigned into SFTF (n = 25), SFT (n = 25) and control (n = 25) groups. The primary outcome was pain, assessed by Visual Analog Scale (VAS). The secondary outcomes were function and scapular kinematics, assessed by DASH Questionnaire and a 3-D motion capture, respectively. All outcomes were measured at the baseline and after the 8-week interventions.

Results

A post hoc analysis performed to show significant differences between groups after the 8-week interventions. For pain, there were significant differences between SFTF vs. SFT (ES (95% CI) = − 0.3(− 0.4 to − 0.1); P = 0.04), SFTF vs. control (ES (95% CI) = 1.3(0.7–1.9); P = 0.01). For DASH, also, there were significant differences between SFTF vs. SFT (ES (95% CI) = 1.8(1.1–2.4); P = 0.03), SFTF vs. control (ES (95% CI) = 4.4(3.3–5.4); P = 0.01), and SFT vs. control (ES (95% CI) = 2.6(1.8–3.4); P = 0.01). For scapular internal rotation (the sagittal or scapular planes), scapular upward rotation, and the scapular tilt, however, there were no differences between SFTF vs. SFT.

Conclusion

Based on the study results, a rehabilitation program integrated with verbal feedbacks is effective to relieve pain, and improve function and scapular kinematics in patients with SIS. Adding feedback to an exercise therapy could clinically enhance outcomes in patients with SIS.

Level of evidence

Level II.

Trial registration

This study was prospectively registered at UMIN-CTR website, and the unique trail number is UMIN000036399.

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Acknowledgments

We would like to express our deepest appreciation for valuable assistance and contribution of all the participants.

Funding

This research did not receive any specific grant from funding agencies in the public, commercial, or non-profit sectors.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Department of Physical Education and Sports Sciences, Raja University, Qazvin, Iran

    Mahsa Moslehi

  2. Department of Biomechanics and Sports Injuries, Kharazmi University, Tehran, Iran

    Amir Letafatkar

  3. Department of Physical Education and Sports Sciences, Amir Kabir University of Technology, Tehran, Iran

    Hadi Miri

Authors
  1. Mahsa Moslehi
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  2. Amir Letafatkar
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Corresponding author

Correspondence to Amir Letafatkar.

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We confirm that there are no known conflicts of interest associated with this publication and there has been no financial support for this work that could have influenced its outcome. The researchers independently collected, analyzed, and interpreted the results and have no financial interests in the results of this study. Furthermore, dissemination of the results of this study does not constitute endorsement by the researchers or their institutional affiliations.

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The protocol was approved by the local ethics committee, in the Kharazmi University, Tehran, Iran.

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Moslehi, M., Letafatkar, A. & Miri, H. Feedback improves the scapular-focused treatment effects in patients with shoulder impingement syndrome. Knee Surg Sports Traumatol Arthrosc 29, 2281–2288 (2021). https://doi.org/10.1007/s00167-020-06178-z

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