Effectiveness of Progressive and Resisted and Non-Progressive or Non-Resisted Exercise in Rotator Cuff Related Shoulder Pain: A Systematic Review and Meta-analysis of Randomised Controlled Trials

Naunton, Josh, Littlewood, Christopher ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0002-7703-727X, Street, Gabrielle, Haines, Terry and Malliaras, Peter (2020) Effectiveness of Progressive and Resisted and Non-Progressive or Non-Resisted Exercise in Rotator Cuff Related Shoulder Pain: A Systematic Review and Meta-analysis of Randomised Controlled Trials. Clinical Rehabilitation, 34 (9). pp. 1198-1216. ISSN 0269-2155

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Abstract

Objective: Synthesize evidence regarding effectiveness of progressive and resisted or non-progressive and non-resisted exercise compared with placebo or no treatment, in rotator cuff related pain. Data sources: English articles, searched in Cochrane CENTRAL, MEDLINE, EMBASE and CINAHL databases up until May 19, 2020. Methods: Randomized controlled trials in people with rotator cuff related pain comparing either progressive and resisted exercise or non-progressive and non-resisted exercise, with placebo or no treatment were included. Data extracted independently by two authors. Risk of bias appraised with the Cochrane Collaboration tool. Results: Seven trials (468 participants) were included, four trials (271 participants) included progressive and resisted exercise and three trials (197 participants) included non-progressive or non-resisted exercise. There was uncertain clinical benefit for composite pain and function (15 point difference, 95% CI 9 to 21, 100-point scale) and pain outcomes at >6weeks to 6months with progressive and resisted exercise compared to placebo or no treatment (comparison 1). For non-progressive or non-resisted exercise there was no significant benefit for composite pain and function (4 point difference, 95% CI –2 to 9, 100-point scale) and pain outcomes at >6weeks to 6months compared to placebo or no treatment (comparison 2). Adverse events were seldom reported and mild. Conclusions: There is uncertain clinical benefit for all outcomes with progressive and resisted exercise and no significant benefit with non-progressive and non-resisted exercise, versus no treatment or placebo at >6weeks to 6months. Findings are low certainty and should be interpreted with caution