Thesis (M.Sc.) - Cairo University - Faculty of Physical Therapy - Department of Musculoskeletal Disorders

Background: Shoulder impingement syndrome is the second common musculoskeletal pain condition. Shoulder and cervical muscle imbalances have been implicated as contributing factors. Alignment of the cervical spine is important to the forces transmitted through the shoulder; however, the role of cervical stability exercises is not conclusively studied. Objective: This study was to investigate the effect of cervical stability exercises (CSEs) on shoulder pain and disability index, isometric strength of shoulder abductors, internal and external rotators, and active joint angular reproduction at 300 external/internal rotations in patients with unilateral shoulder impingement syndrome. Methods: This study consisted of 35 patients (two groups). Group A; consisted of 18 patients, with mean age of 32 years, treated with CSEs and shoulder stability exercises (SSEs), and sleeper stretch. Group B; consisted of 17 patients, with mean age of 34 years, treated with SSEs and sleeper stretch. Each patient was assessed for pain and disability using shoulder pain and disability index (SPADI), isometric strength using hand held dynamometer, and active joint angular reproduction (AJAR) using bubble inclinometer. Results: There was significant effect of cervical stability exercises on AJAR at 30o internal rotation and non-significant effect on AJAR at 30o external rotation, rotator cuff isometric strength, and SPADI. Conclusion: Cervical stability exercises have a significant effect on shoulder proprioception at 30o IR t=-3.23, P=0.001

Issued also as CD