Efficacy of cervical stability exercises in treating shoulder impingement syndrome

Background: Shoulder Impingement syndrome (SIS) is the second common musculoskeletal pain condition. Shoulder girdle muscle imbalance, tight posterior capsule and cervical core instability have been implicated as contributing factors. The alignment of the cervical spine is important to the forces transmitted through the upper extremity and the shoulder joint, However the effect of cervical core stability in treatment of SIS are not conclusively studied. Objective: The purpose of this study was to investigate the effect of cervical stability exercises (CSEs) on shoulder joint proprioception (active joint angular reproduction, at 300 internal and external rotations) in patients with unilateral SIS. Subjects and methods: Thirty five patients (two groups) had participated in this study. Group A; consists of 18 patients, with mean age of 32 years. Group B; consists of 17 patients, with mean age of 32 years. Each patient was assessed for shoulder proprioception using bubble inclinometer. Agreement of the Ethical Committee of Faculty of physical therapy was obtained on December 2016, before beginning of the study. Results: There was statistical significant effect of CSEs on shoulder proprioception at 30o IR (Internal Rotation) (t=-3.23, P=0.001) (not at ER (External Rotation)), in patients with unilateral SIS. Conclusion: CSEs could affect shoulder proprioception in patients with unilateral SIS.