Efficacy of proprioceptive neuromuscular facilitation on shoulder function in secondary shoulder impingement

Abstract

Objective: To determine the efficacy of proprioceptive neuromuscular facilitation (PNF) on shoulder function in participants with secondary shoulder impingement. Background: Previous research has established a relationship between shoulder muscle weakness and causation of secondary shoulder impingement. Recent evidence has shown that proprioceptive neuromuscular facilitation was effective in relieving pain and increasing overhead reach. However, none of the studies have measured shoulder function after PNF application. Methods: This study used a pretest–posttest experimental group design. Thirty participants (15 male and 15 female) with a diagnosis of secondary shoulder impingement were recruited from a hospital setting and divided into two groups. Group 1 received both PNF and the conventional protocol while group 2 received only the conventional protocol. Both groups received the intervention for a period of 3 weeks. Shoulder Pain And Disability Index (SPADI) score and overhead reach were analysed in both groups. Results: Group 1 showed significant improvement over Group 2 in terms of SPADI score and overhead reach. The experimental group showed significant improvement in (reduction of) SPADI score over the control group (23.8 ± 4.9) at a significance level of P<0.0001. The experimental group showed a significant difference over the control group for overhead reach (3.63 ± 1.8) at a significance level of P<0.03. Conclusion: The addition of PNF to conventional treatment brings significant improvement in shoulder function in comparison to conventional treatment alone in participants with secondary shoulder impingement. PNF helps in early recovery.