Abstract:
Background: Approximately one-third of individuals suffer with anterior shoulder pain
due to rotator cuff tendinopathy, commonly referred to as sub-acromial impingement
syndrome. The supraspinatus and infraspinatus rotator cuff tendons exert pressure on bony
and ligamentous tissues in this disease. Objectives: To find out the effectiveness of
eccentric exercise along with conventional physiotherapy for patients with rotator cuff
tendinopathy Methods: This study is a randomized controlled trial. Twenty-five patients
with rotator cuff tendinopathy were randomized into two groups: the experimental group
(n=13) underwent eccentric exercises alongside conventional physiotherapy, whereas the
control group (n=12) received only conventional physiotherapy. Outcomes were assessed
using the Numeric Pain Rating Scale (NPRS), Constant Murley Score, and Western
Ontario Rotator Cuff Index (WORC) to measure pain, range of motion, strength, and
health-related quality of life. Both groups engaged in 16 therapy sessions over six weeks,
supplemented by pre- and post-intervention assessments. The Wilcoxon signed-ranks test
was employed for intra-group comparisons, while the Mann-Whitney U test was utilized
for inter-group analysis. Result: Both groups showed significant improvements in pain,
function, movement, and strength from pre- to post-treatment (p < 0.05). However,
between groups analysis showed no significant differences in post-treatment results
between conventional physiotherapy and eccentric exercise (p > 0.05). Both therapies
improved rotator cuff tendinopathy symptoms, yet eccentric exercise did not surpass
conventional physiotherapy. Conclusion: The incorporation of eccentric exercise
alongside traditional physiotherapy yields enhancements in pain, range of motion, strength,
and functionality for individuals with rotator cuff tendinopathy that are comparable to those
attained through conventional physiotherapy treatment alone. Although both methods are
successful, eccentric training may provide supplementary advantages in fortifying the
rotator cuff muscles, thereby alleviating discomfort and preventing future issues.
Keywords: conventional physiotherapy, eccentric exercise, rotator cuff tendinopathy.
Word count: 10953
Description:
This dissertation is submitted in partial fulfillment of the requirements for the Degree of Bachelor of Science in Physiotherapy, Bangladesh Health Professions Institute, Faculty of Medicine, the University of Dhaka, Bangladesh.
