Effect of therapeutic kinesio-taping in patients with shoulder impingement syndrome: A pilot study

Kinesio-taping is widely used in sports rehabilitation for prevention and treatment of sports-related injuries. The role of Kinesio-taping has recently received renewed interest in patients with shoulder problems like shoulder impingement or rotator cuff tendinopathy.This pilot study was undertaken to check the effect of therapeutic kinesio-taping versus placebo kinesio-taping on shoulder pain, acromio-humeral distance (AHD), mobility and disability in patients with shoulder impingement syndrome.8 patients diagnosed with shoulder impingement syndrome were included in the study and they were allocated into the experimental and control group. The patients in experimental group received ultrasound therapy for 8 minutes followed by application of therapeutic kinesio-taping and in control group patients received ultrasound therapy for 8 minutes followed by application of placebo kinesio-taping. Outcome measure were pain intensity by NPRS, shoulder range of motion by goniometry, acromio-humeral distance (AHD) using ultrasonography and functional disability by SPADI assessed at baseline, immediate after taping application and 3 days post intervention. Data analyzed with Kruskal-Wallis H test and p value less than 0.05 consider as significant.Therapeutic kinesio-taping group showed significant change in AHD (p=0.04), pain.(p=0.0001), shoulder range of motion including abduction (p=0.04), internal rotation (p=0.001) and functional disability (0.04), whereas placebo kinesio-taping showed no significant improvement in outcomes. Therapeutic kinesio-taping found to be effective in increasing AHD, range of motion, decreasing pain and functional disability when compare with placebo kinesio-taping. It can be used as adjunct treatment option in patient with shoulder impingement.

Mid-term results of arthroscopic Bankart repair and remplissage for recurrent anterior shoulder instability in patients with a history of seizures

Background Seizure predisposes patients to shoulder dislocation. However, there is no consensus regarding the best management approach for recurrent shoulder dislocation in patients who have a history of seizures. In this study, we report the outcome of arthroscopic Bankart repair augmented by Remplissage for the recurrent anterior shoulder dislocation in a series of patients with a history of seizures. Methods In this retrospective study, 27 patients with 29 recurrent anterior shoulder dislocations who were treated with the arthroscopic Bankart repair were included. All cases had deep Hill-Sachs lesions according to Hardy classification that was managed with a Remplissage technique. Patients with a glenoid defect of more than 20% in the CT scan were excluded. Twenty-two patients had an epileptic seizure, while the remaining five patients had convulsions due to other causes. The mean age of the patients was 28.3 ± 6.2 years. The mean follow-up of the patients was 3.1 ± 1.2 years. Outcome measures included the shoulder range of motion that was compared with the non-injured side in the unilateral subjects and the shoulder function that was evaluated by the Rowe score and the Walch-Duplay score. Results The mean forward flexion, abduction, external rotation, and internal rotation were not significantly different between injured and non-injured shoulder (p = 0.34, p = 0.41, p = 0.11, p = 0.23). The mean Rowe score was 49.1 ± 7.8 before the surgery and 92.1 ± 6.4 at the last visit (p < 0.001). According to the Walch-Duplay score, the shoulders were categorized as excellent, good, and fair in 17 (58.7%), 11 (37.9%), and 1 (3.4%) shoulder, respectively. The overall rate of instability recurrence was 17.2% (n = 5). Conclusion In patients with a history of seizures, arthroscopic Bankart repair augmented by Remplissage could be regarded as a safe and efficient method for the treatment of recurrent anterior shoulder dislocation with glenoid defect < 20%.

Regaining motion among patients with shoulder pathology - are all exercises equal?

Background Little information exists to guide the choice of exercise for regaining shoulder range of motion (ROM). The purpose of this study was to compare the maximal ROM reached, pain and difficulty associated with 4 commonly prescribed exercises. Methods Forty (9 females) patients with various shoulder disorders and a limited flexion ROM performed 4 exercises for regaining shoulder flexion ROM in a randomized order. Exercises included the self-assisted flexion, forward bow, table slide and rope-and-pulley. Participants were videotaped while performing all exercises and the maximal flexion angle reached during each exercise was recorded using Kinovea motion analysis freeware (Kinovea 0.8.15). Pain intensity and the perceived level of difficulty associated with each exercise were also recorded. Results The forward bow and table slide generated significantly greater ROM compared with the self-assisted flexion and rope-and-pulley (P ≤ 0.005). The self-assisted flexion was associated with a greater pain intensity compared with the table slide and rope-and-pulley (P = 0.002) and a greater perceived level of difficulty compared with the table slide (P = 0.006). Conclusions Due to the greater ROM allowed, and similar or even lower level of pain or difficulty, clinicians may wish to initially recommend the forward bow and table slide for regaining shoulder flexion ROM.

Additional effects of Thoracic manipulation on pain, shoulder disability and range of motion in Adhesive Capsulitis

Aim: To determine the additional effects of thoracic manipulation on shoulder pain, shoulder range of motion (ROM) and disability in combination with conventional physical therapy exercises for individuals with adhesive capsulitis. Materials: A parallel, randomized controlled clinical trial was conducted. 32 patients (16 in each group), aged between 40‑60 years from both genders having shoulder pain, clinically diagnosed with adhesive capsulitis (Stage II and III), along with thoracic spine hypo mobility were included. Patients were randomized into conventional physiotherapy group (A) and thoracic manipulation group (B). Clinical trial was continued for two weeks with three sessions per week and a follow up was done at the end of 3rd week. Visual analogue scale (VAS), shoulder range of motion (ROM) and Disabilities of Arm Shoulder and Hand (DASH) score were used for outcomes measurement. Results: Intragroup comparison for shoulder ROM, DASH and VAS scores shows a significant (p value=≤0.001) for both groups. Intergroup comparison for shoulder ROM was improved significantly on post-intervention (p value=≤0.001). While intergroup comparison of baseline to end value for VAS showed insignificant result (p value=0.373). Conclusion: Additional effects of thoracic manipulation to conventional physical therapy underwent a greater improvement regarding shoulder range of motions and disability. Conventional physical therapy exercises and a combination of thoracic manipulation to conventional physical therapy exercises are equally effective for decreasing shoulder pain. Keywords: Adhesive Capsulitis, Pain, Frozen shoulder, Physical Therapy, Rehabilitation

The Reliability of the Microsoft Kinect and Ambulatory Sensor-Based Motion Tracking Devices to Measure Shoulder Range-of-Motion: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis

Advancements in motion sensing technology can potentially allow clinicians to make more accurate range-of-motion (ROM) measurements and informed decisions regarding patient management. The aim of this study was to systematically review and appraise the literature on the reliability of the Kinect, inertial sensors, smartphone applications and digital inclinometers/goniometers to measure shoulder ROM. Eleven databases were screened (MEDLINE, EMBASE, EMCARE, CINAHL, SPORTSDiscus, Compendex, IEEE Xplore, Web of Science, Proquest Science and Technology, Scopus, and PubMed). The methodological quality of the studies was assessed using the consensus-based standards for the selection of health Measurement Instruments (COSMIN) checklist. Reliability assessment used intra-class correlation coefficients (ICCs) and the criteria from Swinkels et al. (2005). Thirty-two studies were included. A total of 24 studies scored “adequate” and 2 scored “very good” for the reliability standards. Only one study scored “very good” and just over half of the studies (18/32) scored “adequate” for the measurement error standards. Good intra-rater reliability (ICC > 0.85) and inter-rater reliability (ICC > 0.80) was demonstrated with the Kinect, smartphone applications and digital inclinometers. Overall, the Kinect and ambulatory sensor-based human motion tracking devices demonstrate moderate–good levels of intra- and inter-rater reliability to measure shoulder ROM. Future reliability studies should focus on improving study design with larger sample sizes and recommended time intervals between repeated measurements.

Association of Shoulder Dysfunction with Mobility Limitation in Older Adults of the BLSA

Mobility limitation affects one-third of older adults; yet, the impact of shoulder dysfunction which effects roughly 20%, is inadequately documented. As arm swing is a fundamental component of ambulation, we investigated the cross-sectional association between shoulder range of motion (ROM) and walking endurance using time to walk 400m as quickly as possible and lower extremity performance using the expanded Short Physical Performance Battery (e-SPPB). Data are from 614 men (50.5%) and women aged ≥ 60 years (mean 71.8 ±8 years) in the Baltimore Longitudinal Study of Aging (BLSA) who performed bilateral shoulder elevation and/or bilateral shoulder external rotation (ER) during nurse-administered physical examination. We examined odds of poor 400m-walk and e-SPPB performance defined as the worst quartile associated with abnormal shoulder elevation (≤9%) relative to bilateral normal shoulder elevation and abnormal shoulder external rotation (≤5%) relative to bilateral normal shoulder external rotation (ER) in separate analyses. Analyses were adjusted for age, sex, weight and height. Adjusted odds (95% confidence interval) of poor 400m-walk performance associated with abnormal shoulder elevation (N=254) were 4.7 (1.1-19.5;p=0.035) and with abnormal shoulder ER (n=401) were 4.8 (1.4-16.7;p=0.010). Adjusted odds of poor e-SPPB performance associated with abnormal shoulder elevation (N=462) were 3.5 (1.6-7.7;p=0.002) and with abnormal shoulder ER (n=457) were 2.9 (1.1-7.4;p=0.030). Results suggest abnormal shoulder ROM is associated with poorer walking endurance capacity and lower-extremity functional performance in the relatively healthy older adults. Future research is warranted to develop novel screening paradigms that mitigate mobility limitation and functional decline in older adults with shoulder dysfunction.

Risk Factors of Shoulder and Elbow Injuries in Baseball: A Scoping Review of 3 Types of Evidence

Background: Shoulder and elbow overuse injuries are the most common problems in baseball players. No scoping review has compared the findings from different types of evidence. Purpose: To map the broad evidence from 3 types of evidence (epidemiological, biomechanical, and narrative) on potential risk factors for shoulder and elbow injuries in baseball and identify gaps in the existing literature to guide future research. Study Design: Scoping review. Methods: Eight electronic databases were searched from inception to May 14, 2020. Any peer-reviewed papers that investigated or discussed potential risk factors for shoulder and elbow injuries in baseball were included. Results: A total of 302 studies (107 epidemiological studies, 85 biomechanical studies, and 110 narrative reviews) were included. Risk factors were categorized into 9 domains: sports profiles, physical characteristics/functions, pitching mechanics, performance, behavioral, psychosocial, biological and developmental, injury/sports profiles, and environmental factors. Studies were consistent in supporting limited shoulder range of motion (ROM) and player positions (pitchers or catchers) as risk factors for shoulder injuries. For elbow injuries, the majority of the included studies suggested that being pitchers or catchers and working with higher ball velocity can be risk factors. Conclusion: Findings were consistent in some risk factors, such as limited shoulder ROM and positions. However, findings were inconsistent or limited for most factors, and substantial research gaps were identified. Research assessing those factors with inconsistent or limited evidence in the current literature were recognized to be priorities for future studies.

Effects of free range-of-motion upper limb exercise based on mirror therapy on shoulder function in patients after breast cancer surgery: study protocol for a randomized controlled trial

Background Shoulder function complications are common after treatment for breast cancer. Quite a few survivors still report a limited shoulder range of motion, even though the free range-of-motion upper limb exercise is helpful to restore shoulder function. Mirror therapy (MT) is a classical and effective rehabilitation technique to recover motor and sensory function for the limbs; in addition, studies have reported that MT has an influence on patients with shoulder functional dysfunction including increasing shoulder range of motion, improving shoulder function scores, and decreasing pain scores. Here, we describe a protocol of a randomized controlled trial to explore if free range-of-motion upper limb exercise based on MT has efficacy on shoulder function in survivors after surgery of breast cancer. Methods/design This is a prospective, single-blind, two-arm randomized controlled trial. An estimated 70 participants will be randomly allocated to (1) the MT group or (2) the control group. The participants in the control group receive free range-of-motion upper limb exercise, and participants in the MT group will engage in free range-of-motion upper limb exercise based on MT. The intervention will start on the first day after surgery and be completed at 8 weeks after surgery. The primary outcome in this protocol is shoulder range of motion (ROM), while the Constant-Murley Score (CMS); Disability of the Arm, Shoulder, and Hand Questionnaire (DASH); Tampa Scale of Kinesiophobia (13-item TSK); visual analog scale (VAS); grip strength; arm circumference; and lymphedema are the secondary outcomes. Assessment will be conducted before allocation (baseline) and at 2 weeks, 4 weeks, and 8 weeks after surgery. Discussion Based on the results that MT has an influence on shoulder function immediately after intervention in patients without nerve injury, this randomized controlled trial is to observe the efficacy of MT on shoulder function after a long-term intervention in breast cancer survivors. We look forward to the innovation of this study for both breast cancer rehabilitation and MT. Trial registration Chinese Clinical Trial Registry (ChiCTR) ChiCTR2000033080. Registered on 19 May 2020

Disminución de la funcionalidad de miembro superior y bajo nivel de actividad física en supervivientes de cáncer de mama: Un estudio de caso-control (Decreased upper limb function and low level of physical activity following treatment for breast cancer -

El presente estudio tiene como objetivo evaluar la funcionalidad de miembro superior, síntomas de fatiga y nivel de actividad física en mujeres post operatorio de cáncer de mama, grupo PO, en comparación a un grupo control de mujeres sanas. La funcionalidad de la extremidad superior se evaluó mediante el rango de movimiento (ROM) de flexión, abducción y rotación externa del hombro utilizando un inclinómetro digital; fuerza de prensión con un dinamómetro y discapacidad del miembro superior con el cuestionario Disabilities of the arm, shoulder and hand. La fatiga se evaluó con el Inventario Breve de Fatiga y el nivel de actividad física con el Cuestionario Internacional de Actividad Física. Treinta y cuatro mujeres (n=17, grupo PO; n=17, grupo control, GC) fueron evaluadas. El grupo PO presentó menor ROM del hombro y fuerza de prensión (diferencia de rango: 22,9°-22,9°; 5,6kgF, respectivamente) en comparación con el GC; el lado afectado presentó menor ROM del hombro en comparación con el lado no afectado (15°-21°). También hubo una mayor discapacidad en el lado afectado y un menor nivel de actividad física en el grupo PO. No hubo diferencias en la fatiga entre los grupos. Concluimos que el grupo PO presentó menor funcionalidad y un bajo nivel de actividad física en comparación con un grupo control. Abstract. This study aim to compare upper limb functionality, fatigue and physical activity level in women after breast cancer surgery in relation to a control group. Upper limb functionality was evaluated by mean of shoulder range of motion (ROM) of flexion, abduction and external rotation using a digital inclinometer; handgrip strength using a dynamometer and upper limb disability with the Disabilities of the arm, shoulder and hand questionnaire. Fatigue was assessed with the Brief Fatigue Inventory and physical activity level with the International Physical Activity Questionnaire. A thirty-four women (n=17, post-operated breast surgery group, PO; n=17, control group, CG) were recruited. PO group presented a decrease in both shoulder ROM and handgrip strength (range difference: 22.9°-22,9°; 5.6kgF, respectively) compared to CG; the affected side of the PO group presented with less shoulder ROM in comparison to the non-affected side (15°-21°). There was also greater disability on the affected side and a lower physical activity level in the PO group. There were no differences in the fatigue between the groups. We concluded that PO group presented with compromised functionality and low physical activity level compared to a control group.

Effect of Mulligan Mobilization with Movement versus Kinesiotaping in Frozen Shoulder

Background: Frozen Shoulder is a painful shoulder condition with insidious onset that was associated with stiffness and loss of motion in the shoulder joint. Mulligan Mobilization with Movement for shoulder joint combines sustained manual application of ‘gliding’ force to a joint, with the aim of repositioning the positional faults with concurrent physiological motion of the joint. Kinesiotaping improves glenohumeral motions and reduces microtrauma and mechanical irritation of soft tissue structures and reorient shoulder movements through arc of improved glenohumeral motion. Objective: To compare effect of Mulligan Mobilization with Movement and Kinesiotaping on pain and active shoulder range of motion using VAS and universal goniometer. Method: 30 subjects were selected as per inclusion and exclusion criteria and were randomly allocated into 2 groups of 15 each. Group A received Mulligan Mobilization with Movement and Group B received Kinesiotaping for shoulder joint. Pre and Post intervention shoulder external rotation, abduction and internal rotation range of motion and VAS scores were analysed. Result: The statistical analysis showed that there is a significant increase in range of motion and significant reduction in pain scores post intervention in both the groups (p<0.0001). However, inter group analysis showed that Group A is much more effective in improving range of motion and reducing pain scores. Conclusion: The present study concluded that Mulligan Mobilization With Movement is a better intervention on Frozen shoulder as it shows greater increase in shoulder range of motion and significant pain reduction when compared to Kinesiotaping technique. Key words: Mulligan Mobilization with Movement (MWM), Kinesiotaping, Frozen shoulder, pain, Range of Motion.