Article

OBJECTIVE: To compare the short- and long-term effects of a structural-oriented
(convential) with an activity-oriented physiotherapeutic treatment in patients
with frozen shoulder. DESIGN: Double-blinded, randomized, experimental study.
SETTING: Outpatient clinic. SUBJECTS: We included patients diagnosed with a
limited range of motion and pain in the shoulder region, who had received a
prescription for physiotherapy treatment, without additional symptoms of
dizziness, a case history of headaches, pain and/or limited range of motion in
the cervical spine and/or temporomandibular joint. INTERVENTIONS: The study group
received treatment during the performance of activities. The comparison group was
treated with manual therapy and proprioceptive neuromuscular facilitation
(conventional therapy). Both groups received 10 days of therapy, 30 minutes each
day. MAIN MEASURES: Range of motion, muscle function tests, McGill pain
questionnaire and modified Upper Extremity Motor Activity Log were measured at
baseline, after two weeks of intervention and after a three-month follow-up
period without therapy. RESULTS: A total of 66 patients were randomized into two
groups: The activity-oriented group ( n = 33, mean = 44 years, SD = 16 years)
including 20 male (61%) and the structural-oriented group ( n = 33, mean = 47
years, SD = 17 years) including 21 male (64%). The activity-oriented group
revealed significantly greater improvements in the performance of daily life
activities and functional and structural tests compared with the group treated
with conventional therapy after 10 days of therapy and at the three-month
follow-up ( p < 0.05). CONCLUSIONS: Therapy based on performing activities seems
to be more effective for pain reduction and the ability to perform daily life activities than conventional treatment methods.
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Langue : ANGLAIS