Background. Traditional rehabilitation improves pain and function in patients with shoulder impingement syndrome.
Neurocognitive rehabilitation has shown to be highly effective after surgical reconstruction of the anterior cruciate ligament.
However, its effects in patients with shoulder impingement syndrome
have not yet been
established.
Aim. The aim of the study was to compare the effects of neurocognitive therapeutic exercise, based on pro- prioception and neuromuscular control, on pain and function in comparison to traditional therapeutic ex- ercise in patients with shoulder impingement syn- drome.
Design. Single-blind randomized, non-inferiority clini- cal trial.
Setting. Outpatient clinic of Geriatrics and Physiat- rics, University Hospital.
Population. Forty-eight patients with shoulder im- pingement syndrome (Neer stage I) and pain lasting for at least three months.
Methods. Participants were randomly allocated (1:1) to either neurocognitive therapeutic exercise or tra- ditional therapeutic exercise. Both treatments were provided one-hour session, three times a week for ftve weeks. The primary outcome measure was the short form of the Disability of the Arm, Shoulder and Hand Questionnaire (Quick-DASH questionnaire) for the assessment of physical ability and symptoms of the upper extremity. Secondary outcome measures: Constant-Murley shoulder outcome score for the de- termination of range of motion, pain and strength;