The effect of an eight-week shoulder rehabilitation intervention programme on pain and function, range of motion and muscle strength among teachers: A pilot study

Article type: Research Article

Authors: Nyawose, Zingisa Z. | Naidoo, Rowena^*

Affiliations: Discipline of Biokinetics, Exercise and Leisure Sciences, Health Sciences Faculty, University of KwaZulu-Natal, Durban, South Africa

Correspondence: [*] Corresponding author: Rowena Naidoo, Discipline of Biokinetics, Exercise and Leisure Sciences, Health Sciences Faculty, University of KwaZulu-Natal, Durban, South Africa. Tel.: +31 260 8235; E-mail: [email protected].

Abstract: BACKGROUND: Teachers present with shoulder musculoskeletal disorders, which result in pain and poor shoulder function. OBJECTIVE: To determine the effect of an eight-week shoulder rehabilitation intervention on pain and function, range of motion and muscle strength among teachers. METHODS:Thirty teachers presenting with shoulder pain were recruited and divided into equal control and experimental groups. The intervention group participated in an eight-week rehabilitation programme. Pre- and post-intervention measurements included the scapular position test, range of motion, muscle strength measurements as well as a shoulder rating questionnaire. RESULTS:There was a significant improvement in the experimental group’s internal range of motion for the dominant (p= 0.006) and non-dominant arms (p= 0.003) post-intervention. Additionally, significant improvements were found in muscle strength in the experimental group in dominant and non-dominant flexion; abduction; external rotation (p< 0.001); dominant internal rotation (p< 0.001) and non-dominant internal rotation strength (p= 0.007). Post-intervention questionnaire data found a decrease in pain (p= 0.003); improved ability to perform daily activities (p= 0.006); improved overall score (p< 0.001) and satisfaction (p= 0.023) in the intervention group compared to the control group. CONCLUSION:The implementation of a rehabilitation programme in schools should be considered to manage the prevalence of shoulder musculoskeletal disorders among teachers.

Keywords: Intervention, musculoskeletal disorders, prevalence, range of motion, muscle strength, teachers

DOI: 10.3233/BMR-200142

Journal: Journal of Back and Musculoskeletal Rehabilitation, vol. 34, no. 1, pp. 49-58, 2021