Efficacy of upper extremity and scapular proprioceptive neuromuscular facilitation technique in patients with rotator cuff lesions

Abstract

Purpose: This study was conducted to investigate the effect of proprioceptive neuromuscular facilitation (PNF) technique on pain, functionality, and quality of life in patients with rotator cuff lesions. Methods: Forty cases with rotator cuff lesion were included in the study. The cases were randomly divided into two groups. In addition to conservative treatment, upper extremity and scapular PNF technique was applied to PNF group, and conservative treatment only was applied to control group. Patients were treated three days per week for six weeks. Visual Analogue Scale for pain assessment, goniometer for the normal range of motion evaluation, Disabilities of the Arm, Shoulder and Hand Score and Constant Criterion (CC) for evaluating functionality and activity level, and SF-36 for evaluating the quality of life were used. The evaluations were performed at the beginning and the 6th week. Results: It was determined that pain decreased and range of motion increased significantly (p<0.05). Activity (p<0.001) and night (p=0.013) VAS scores and shoulder external rotation joint motion in both groups (p=0.003) results showed more significant improvement in the PNF group than those of the control group. According to the results of functionality and general health evaluation, significant improvements were observed in both groups (p<0.05). The CC score (p=0.046), SF-36 energy (p=0.016), and mental health (p=0.014) sub-parameters were significantly improved in the PNF group. Conclusion: It was found that the PNF technique is a clinically effective method in reducing pain, improving functioning and quality of life in rotator cuff lesion. It was concluded that especially scapular PNF patterns and techniques should not be neglected in shoulder rehabilitation.