Subacromial impingement syndrome: the effect of changing posture on shoulder range of movement.
METHODS
Random allocation of subjects into a placebo-controlled, crossover study.


OBJECTIVE
To investigate the effect of changing thoracic and scapular posture on shoulder flexion and scapular plane abduction range of motion in asymptomatic subjects, and in subjects with subacromial impingement syndrome.


BACKGROUND
Changes in upper body posture and concomitant imbalance of the muscle system have been proposed as one of the etiological mechanisms leading to subacromial impingement syndrome. Although clinicians commonly assess posture and devise rehabilitation programs to correct posture, there is little evidence to support this practice.


METHODS
Selected postural, range of movement, and pain measurements were investigated in 60 asymptomatic subjects and 60 subjects with subacromial impingement syndrome, prior to and following thoracic and scapular taping intended to change their posture.


RESULTS
Changing posture had an effect on all components of posture measured (P<.001) and these changes were associated with a significant increase (P<.001) in the range of motion in shoulder flexion and abduction in the plane of the scapula. Changing posture was not found to have a significant effect on the intensity of pain experienced by the symptomatic subjects, although the point in the range of shoulder elevation at which they experienced their pain was significantly higher (P<.001).


CONCLUSIONS
The findings of this investigation suggest that changing 1 or more of the components of posture may have a positive effect on shoulder range of movement and the point at which pain is experienced.
Lewis
Jeremy S
JS
Physiotherapy Department, Chelsea and Westminster Healthcare NHS Trust, London, UK. jeremy.lewis@chelwest.nhs.uk
Wright
Christine
C
Green
Ann
A
D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D018592:Cross-Over Studies; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D010146:Pain; D026741:Physical Therapy Modalities; D010919:Placebos; D011187:Posture; D016059:Range of Motion, Articular; D019534:Shoulder Impingement Syndrome / Q000473:pathology*; D016896:Treatment Outcome
D010919:Placebos