Comparison of the Effects of Conventional Physical Therapy Versus Progressive Overload Training in Patients with Shoulder Impingement Syndrome; A Randomised Clinical Trial

Abstract

Abstract Background: Rotator cuff tendinitis and shoulder impingement are regarded as the frequent intrinsic reasons for shoulder discomfort and disability. Objective: A study was conducted to compare the effects of conventional physical therapy and progressive overload training in patients with shoulder impingement syndrome. Methods: Thirty patients with shoulder impingement syndrome were included. These patients were randomised into two groups. One group received structured, progressive resistance training, and the other received conventional therapy. The intervention group participants participated in progressive resistance training three days per week for six weeks. The numeric pain rating scale was used to assess pain intensity and the range of motion measured by the goniometer. The statistical package for social sciences (SPSS), version 21 for Windows, was used for data analysis. An independent t-test was used to compare the effects between the two groups. Result: Out of 30 participants, there were twenty-four females and six males. The mean age of the participants was 44±5.1 years. Participants from the intervention group had better pain control (P < 0.05) and improved range of motion (P < 0.05) compared to the control group. Conclusion: We conclude in this group of patients, progressive overload training was more effective in alleviating pain and improving the range of motion in patients with shoulder impingement syndrome.