The Effect of the Addition of Core Exercises to Supervised Physiotherapy in Patients With Subacromial Impingement Syndrome
# Background Weakness of the rotator cuff has been reported in patients with subacromial impingement syndrome (SIS). A novel therapeutic approach proposes adding exercises for the core musculature to aid in functional recovery in these patients. # Purpose The aim of this study was to assess the...
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| Main Authors: | , , , , |
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| Format: | Article |
| Language: | English |
| Published: |
North American Sports Medicine Institute
2025-02-01
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| Series: | International Journal of Sports Physical Therapy |
| Online Access: | https://doi.org/10.26603/001c.128630 |
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| Summary: | # Background
Weakness of the rotator cuff has been reported in patients with subacromial impingement syndrome (SIS). A novel therapeutic approach proposes adding exercises for the core musculature to aid in functional recovery in these patients.
# Purpose
The aim of this study was to assess the short-term effects of adding a core exercise program to supervised physiotherapy on improve lateral rotator strength and functional outcomes in patients with SIS.
# Study Design
A pre--post single-group study.
# Methods
A total of 47 participants with SIS were recruited. All patients were treated with five weeks of supervised physiotherapy plus a core exercise program. The primary outcomes were isometric lateral rotator strength and grip strength, measured with a dynamometer. Secondary outcomes included muscular endurance assessed with the Closed Kinetic Chain Upper Extremity Stability Test (CKCUEST), shoulder function with the Constant-Murley (CM) questionnaire, and pain intensity reported using the Visual Analog Scale (VAS). Need a brief statement of statistical approach.
# Results
At end of the five week intervention, isometric lateral rotator strength showed an increase of 9.2 kg (*d* = 2.1; *p* \< 0.001) and grip strength an increase of 10.6 kg (*d* = 2.4; *p* \< 0.001). The CKCUEST showed an increase of 5.6 repetitions (*d* = 3.7; *p* \< 0.001), the CM questionnaire showed an increase of 30.3 points (*d* = 4.9; *p* \< 0.001) and the VAS showed a decrease of 3.9 cm (*d* = 6.0; *p* \< 0.001). All outcomes showed large effect sizes and statistically significant differences.
# Conclusion
In the short term, adding a core exercise program to supervised physiotherapy showed statistically and clinically significant differences in lateral rotator strength and functional outcomes in patients with SIS.
# Level of Evidence
Level 3 |
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| ISSN: | 2159-2896 |