title: The effects of scapular mobilization in patients with subacromial impingement syndrome: a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled clinical trial.
abstract: OBJECTIVE
  To determine the effects of scapular mobilization on function, pain, range of motion, and satisfaction in patients with subacromial impingement syndrome (SAIS).
  
  
  METHODS
  Randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled clinical trial.
  
  
  METHODS
  University hospital clinics in Turkey.
  
  
  METHODS
  66 participants (mean ± SD age 52.06 ± 3.71 y) with SAIS.
  
  
  METHODS
  Participants were randomized into 3 groups: scapular mobilization, sham scapular mobilization, and supervised exercise. Before the interventions transcutaneous electrical stimulation and hot pack were applied to all groups. Total intervention duration for all groups was 3 wk with a total of 9 treatment sessions.
  
  
  METHODS
  Shoulder function and pain intensity were primary outcome measures; range of motion and participant satisfaction were secondary outcome measures. Shoulder function was assessed with the short form of the Disabilities of the Arm, Shoulder and Hand Questionnaire (DASH). A visual analog scale was used to evaluate pain severity. Active range of motion was measured with a universal goniometer. A 7-point Likert scale was used to evaluate satisfaction. Outcome measurements were performed at baseline, before visits 5 and 10, 4 wk after visit 9, and 8 wk after visit 9.
  
  
  RESULTS
  There was no group difference for DASH score (P = .75), pain at rest (P = .41), pain with activity (P = .45), pain at night (P = .74), and shoulder flexion (P = .65), external rotation (P = .63), and internal rotation (P = .19). There was a significant increase in shoulder motion and function and a significant decrease in pain across time when all groups were combined (P < .001). The level of satisfaction was not significantly different for any of the questions about participant satisfaction between all groups (P > .05).
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  There was not a significant advantage of scapular mobilization for shoulder function, pain, range of motion, and satisfaction compared with sham or supervised-exercise groups in patients with SAIS.
authors: Dept of Physiotherapy and Rehabilitation, Baskent University School of Medicine, Ankara, Turkey.
authors: Aydan
authors: A
authors: Aytar
authors: Gul
authors: G
authors: Baltaci
authors: Tim L
authors: TL
authors: Uhl
authors: Handan
authors: H
authors: Tuzun
authors: Pinar
authors: P
authors: Oztop
authors: Metin
authors: M
authors: Karatas
mesh_terms: D004311:Double-Blind Method; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D026201:Musculoskeletal Manipulations / Q000379:methods*; D012540:Scapula / Q000502:physiology*; D019534:Shoulder Impingement Syndrome / Q000503:physiopathology*; D014421:Turkey