COMPARATIVE STUDY TO ANALYZE THE EFFECT OF MANUAL THERAPY COMBINED WITH EXERCISE VERSUS ELECTROTHERAPY COMBINED WITH EXERCISE IN SUBACROMIAL IMPINGEMENT SYNDROME

Abstract

Background: The shoulder joint plays an important role in the function of the upper limb and in the
activities of daily living. Human shoulder movements involve a highly coordinated and complex
interaction between muscles, ligaments, and bones. Both static and dynamic stabilizing structures
contribute to maintaining joint stability while allowing the shoulder to achieve the greatest range of motion
among all joints in the human body. Shoulder pathologies are very common with the lifetime risk.
Subacromial impingement syndrome (SAIS) is considered the most frequently reported shoulder disorder
accounting for 27% of total shoulder disorder. In this study Manual therapy and electrotherapy with
combined exercises programe has been introduce to reduce and improve function.
Objective: The objective of the study is to i) Assess the efficacy of manual therapy in rehabilitation to
improve pain and disability in the treatment of sub-acromial impingement syndrome. ii) Assess the
efficacy of electrotherapy in rehabilitation to improve pain and disability in the treatment of sub-acromial
impingement syndrome.iii) Assess the effectiveness of exercise in rehab to improve ADL (Activity of
daily living), strength and balance in the treatment of sub-acromial impingement syndrome. iv) Finally, the
study will compare the results of both intervention strategies in terms of improving dynamic shoulder
function in individuals diagnosed with sub-acromial impingement syndrome.
Methods: 60 patient diagnosed with the subacromial impingement syndrome by orthopedic OPD or
physiotherapy department were initially assessed for the inclusion or exclusion criteria. Prior to the
treatment procedure patient are oriented to the study. Participants are divided into 2 groups and both
groups assessed for the pre test parameter.
Outcome measure : Shoulder pain and disability index (SPADI) and goniometry is used for measuring pre
and post intervention evaluation.
Results: The Study was significant in reducing pain level and improving functional ability. At the end of
six week intervention, for both group: Group A (Electrotherapy with exercises) and Group B (Manual
therapy with exercises) showed improvement in the symptoms. Based on the results the study supports
research hypothesis that there was a significant improvement in the ROM and functional ability or ADL
performance associated with sub-acromial impingement syndrome.
Conclusion: The findings of the interventions indicate that when exercise is combined with either
electrotherapy or manual therapy, both approaches lead to improvements in range of motion and functional
ability. However, the results suggest that when exercise is combined with manual therapy, the outcomes
may be slightly better compared to electrotherapy combined with exercise.