Are craniocervical flexion test and the pectoralis minor index useful tests for patients with subacromial pain syndrome? / Are craniocervical flexion test and the pectoralis minor index useful tests for patients with subacromial pain syndrome?

Cervical disorders and the shortening of the pectoralis minor are advocated to play an important role in patients with subacromial pain syndrome, despite the absence of evidence. This study aimed to compare the deep cervical flexor muscle function and the shortening of the pectoralis minor between patients with subacromial pain syndrome and controls. Secondarily, this study aimed to analyze the relationship of clinical tests with pain and disability among patients. This is a case-control study with 32 patients with subacromial pain syndrome [mean age: 33 ± 6.9 years; sex: 22 (65.6%) men; right dominance: 31 (96.9%)] and 32 controls matched for age, sex, handedness, and affected side. Participants filled the Numerical Pain Rating Scale, the Shoulder Pain and Disability Index; and performed the clinical tests which were compared between patients and controls. Pectoralis minor length of the patient's group (median = 9.0) was similar to the controls (median = 9.7) (U = 421.5; p = 0.22). The deep neck muscle function presented no statistical difference between patients and controls (χ2 = 4.319; p = 0.504). There was no statistically significant correlation between clinical tests and patient self-reported measures. Therefore, deep cervical flexor muscle and the pectoralis minor muscle were not impaired in patients with subacromial pain syndrome and did not show a relationship with self-reported measures.

Distúrbios cervicais e o encurtamento do músculo peitoral menor são apontados como tendo um papel importante em pacientes com síndrome da dor subacromial, apesar da ausência de evidências. Este estudo teve como objetivo comparar a função dos músculos flexores cervicais profundos e o encurtamento do músculo peitoral menor entre pacientes com síndrome da dor subacromial e controles. Secundariamente, este estudo objetivou analisar a relação dos testes clínicos com a dor e incapacidade entre os pacientes com síndrome da dor subacromial. Trata-se de um estudo caso-controle com 32 pacientes com síndrome da dor subacromial [idade: 33 ± 6,9 anos; sexo: 22 (65,6%) homens; dominância direita: 31 (96,9%)] e 32 controles pareados por idade, sexo, lateralidade e lado afetado. Os participantes preencheram a Numerical Pain Rating Scale, o Shoulder Pain and Disability Index, realizaram os testes clínicos e os resultados dos pacientes e controles foram comparados. O comprimento do músculo peitoral menor no grupo de pacientes (mediana = 9,0) foi semelhante ao grupo controle (mediana = 9,7) (U = 421,5; p = 0,22). A função do músculo flexor cervical profundo não apresentou diferença estatística entre pacientes e controles (χ2 = 4,319; p = 0,504). Não houve correlação estatisticamente significativa entre os testes clínicos e as medidas relatadas pelos pacientes. Portanto, o músculo flexor cervical profundo e o músculo peitoral menor não foram prejudicados em pacientes com síndrome da dor subacromial e não mostraram relação com medidas autorreferidas.

Knee proprioceptive function and physical performance of patients with patellofemoral pain: A matched case-control study.

BACKGROUND: Patients with patellofemoral pain (PFP) present pain, functional limitation, and alteration in knee proprioception. PURPOSE: To compare the knee joint position sense and lower extremity functionality between patients with PFP and controls. Secondarily, investigate the relationship between proprioceptive acuity and physical performance. METHODS: This is a matched case-control study including 48 patients with PFP and 48 healthy individuals matched by age, sex, weight, height, and limb dominance. The proprioceptive evaluation was performed using the joint position sense test (absolute error and relative error) and functionality was assessed using the Single-Leg Triple-Hop test and the Y-Balance Test. The groups were compared using the independent student's T-test. Proprioceptive acuity and physical performance correlations were determined by Pearson correlation coefficient. RESULTS: Participants were on average 31 years old and 62.5% were men. There was no statistically difference for absolute and relative angular error between groups. Patients presented lower relative reached distance on the anterior direction of the Y-Balance Test than controls [patients=58.6 (6.6) % versus controls=61.7 (5.9) %, p=.020]. No differences between groups were found for other functional measures. Significant correlation was found between absolute angular error and anterior component at 60° (r=0.225, p=.028) and relative angular error at 60° with the posterolateral component of the Y- Balance Test (r=0.231, p=.024). CONCLUSION: Proprioceptive acuity of patients with PFP was not reduced. The anterior direction of the Y-Balance Test was impaired compared to matched controls. Proprioceptive sense is related to dynamic balance but not to jump ability.