Affiliations: [a] Department of Physical and Rehabilitation Medicine, Pamukkale University, Denizli, Turkey | [b] Department of Orthopedics and Traumatology, Pamukkale University, Denizli, Turkey
Abstract: BACKGROUND: Although functional results of combined rehabilitation
programs are reported, there have been no reports studying the effects of
solo pendulum exercises on ultrasonographic measurements of acromiohumeral
distance (AHD). OBJECTIVE: To investigate the effects of weighted and un-weighted
pendulum exercises on ultrasonographic AHD and clinical symptoms in patients
with subacromial impingement syndrome. METHODS: Patients with subacromial impingement syndrome were
randomized to performing weighted (1.5 kilograms hand held dumbbell, N= 18)
or un-weighted (free of weight, N= 16) pendulum exercises for 4 weeks, 3
sessions/day. Exercises were repeated for each direction of shoulder motion
in each session (ten minutes). Clinical situation was evaluated by Constant
score and Shoulder Pain Disability Index (SPADI). Ultrasonographic
measurements of AHD at 0°, 30° and 60° shoulder
abduction were performed. All clinical and ultrasonographic evaluations were
performed at the beginning of the exercise program and at end of 4 weeks of
exercise program. RESULTS: Thirty-four patients (23 females, 11 males; mean age 41.7
± 8.9 years) were evaluated. Significant clinical improvements were
detected in both exercise groups between pre and post-treatment evaluations
(p < 0.05). There was no significant difference for pre and post-treatment
AHD measurements at 0°, 30°, and 60° shoulder
abduction between groups (p > 0.05). There was no significant difference for
pre and post-treatment narrowing of AHD (narrowing of
0°-30°, and 0°-60°) between groups
(p > 0.05). CONCLUSION: While significant clinical improvements were achieved
with both weighted and un-weighted solo pendulum exercises, no significant
difference was detected for ultrasonographic AHD measurements between
exercise groups.
