Melhora na qualidade de vida e da dor referida em trabalhadores com síndrome do impacto após aplicação do método Isostretching / Improvement in the quality of life and pain intensity among workers with shoulder impingement syndrome after application of the Isostretching method

Introdução: Entre os Distúrbios Osteomusculares Relacionadas ao Trabalho (DORT), a Síndrome do Impacto do ombro (SI) é a principal causa de incapacidade para o trabalho. Além do afastamento do trabalho, muitos casos necessitam de tratamento fisioterapêutico. O método Isostretching pode ser uma das alternativas e pode contribuir para a melhora da qualidade de vida dos trabalhadores com SI. Objetivo: Verificar os efeitos da aplicação de um protocolo de tratamento baseado no método Isostretching, em indivíduos portadores de SI, na melhora da qualidade de vida e intensidade da dor. Método: Mediante a analise de prontuários de pacientes, em tratamento no ambulatório de medicina do trabalho e outros ambulatórios da Unicamp, foram selecionados 30 voluntários, submetidos á aplicação de 12 sessões de fisioterapia com o método Isostretching, durante 6 semanas. Os voluntários foram avaliados antes e após o protocolo proposto através do questionário de qualidade de vida SF-36 e escala visual numérica de dor. Os dados foram analisados mediante uma análise de variâncias (ANOVA), o qual foi realizado através do software R, versão 2.12.0. Resultados: Os obtidos no questionário de qualidade de vida SF-36 mostraram diferenças estatisticamente significantes (p<0,05) para a maioria dos domínios. Na escala visual numérica, de zero a dez, o valor médio foi de 6,63 pré-tratamento e, no pós-tratamento foi de 3,23 pontos, foi significativo (p<0,05). Conclusão: O protocolo proposto foi eficaz na melhora da qualidade de vida e na diminuição do quadro álgico do grupo de voluntários estudado.

Introduction: Among Work-Related Musculoskeletal Disorders, the Shoulder Impingement Syndrome (SIS) is the leading cause of work disability. Aside being off work, many cases often require physiotherapy. The Isostretching method can be an alternative and can contribute to improving the quality of life of workers with SIS. Objective: To verify the effects of a treatment protocol based on the Isostretching method in individuals with SIS, in improving the quality of life and decreasing pain intensity. Method: By analyzing patient records in treatment at the occupational health clinic and other Unicamp clinics, 30 volunteers were selected and submitted to 12 physiotherapy sessions with the Isostretching method for 6 weeks. The volunteers were evaluated before and after the proposed protocol using the SF-36 quality of life questionnaire and a visual numeric pain scale. Data was analyzed using (ANOVA) variance analysis, which was performed using software R, version 2.12.0. Results: The results of the SF-36 quality of life questionnaire showed statistically significant differences (p <0.05) in most areas. In the visual numeric scale from zero to ten, the average value was 6.63 points pre-treatment and 3.23 post-treatment, which was significant (p <0.05). Conclusion: The proposed protocol was effective in improving the quality of life and in reducing pain in the group of volunteers studied.

The effectiveness of low laser therapy in subacromial impingement syndrome: a randomized placebo controlled double-blind prospective study

OBJECTIVES: Conflicting results were reported about the effectiveness of Low level laser therapy on musculoskeletal disorders. The aim of this study was to investigate the effectiveness of 850-nm gallium arsenide aluminum (Ga-As-Al) laser therapy on pain, range of motion and disability in subacromial impingement syndrome. METHODS: A total of 52 patients (33 females and 19 males with a mean age of 53.59±11.34 years) with subacromial impingement syndrome were included. The patients were randomly assigned into two groups. Group I (n = 30, laser group) received laser therapy (5 joule/cm² at each point over maximum 5-6 painful points for 1 minute). Group II (n = 22, placebo laser group) received placebo laser therapy. Initially cold pack (10 minutes) was applied to all of the patients. Also patients were given an exercise program including range of motion, stretching and progressive resistive exercises. The therapy program was applied 5 times a week for 14 sessions. Pain severity was assessed by using visual analogue scale. Range of motion was measured by goniometer. Disability was evaluated by using Shoulder Pain and Disability Index. RESULTS: In group I, statistically significant improvements in pain severity, range of motion except internal and external rotation and SPADI scores were observed compared to baseline scores after the therapy (p<0.05). In Group II, all parameters except range of motion of external rotation were improved (p<0.05). However, no significant differences were recorded between the groups (p>0.05). CONCLUSIONS: The Low level laser therapy seems to have no superiority over placebo laser therapy in reducing pain severity, range of motion and functional disability.

The Diagnosis and Prognosis of Impingement Syndrome in the Shoulder with Using Quantitative SPECT Assessment: A Prospective Study of 73 Patients and 24 Volunteers

BACKGROUND: Diagnosing impingement syndrome without rotator cuff tear usually depends on the physical examination and roentgenography, and obtaining objective evidence for this condition is at best difficult. The purpose of this study was to ascertain whether quantitatively assessing this condition with using single photon emission computerized tomography (SPECT) can diagnose impingement syndrome and predict the postoperative results. METHODS: Before executing arthroscopic or open treatment, SPECT was performed on 73 patients and 24 volunteers and these people were followed up for 2 years. Any increased uptake on SPECT was investigated by using the axial view, which demonstrated the greatest uptake for the acromion, distal clavicle, greater tuberosity, lesser tuberosity and the coracoid process of the operated and non-operated sides. RESULTS: The patients who were diagnosed as having impingement syndrome with or without rotator cuff tear showed increased uptake on the operative side compared to the non-operated side in the assessed locations. The greater tuberosity of the humerus could be used for quantitative measurement as a postoperative prognostic factor. CONCLUSIONS: The bone SPECT method is useful for making the diagnosis of patients with impingement sydrome, and the results of quantitative assessment at the greater tuberosity can be used for evaluating the prognosis following the operation.