Effect of proprioceptive neuromuscular facilitation stretch and muscle energy technique in the management of adhesive capsulitis of the shoulder

Abstract

Aims: To determine the efficacy of Proprioceptive neuromuscular facilitation (PNF) technique and muscle energy technique (MET) in limiting pain and disability among subjects with adhesive capsulitis of shoulder. Settings and Study Design: A single centre experimental design study was done. A total 132 male subjects were screened. After fulfilling inclusion and exclusion criteria, with convenient sampling 60 subjects were selected for the study. Mean age of Groups A and B subjects were 46 and 50 years respectively. Double blinded baseline and post interventional (after 2 weeks) assessment was performed. Intervention includes Proprioceptive neuromuscular facilitation technique for group A and Muscle energy technique for group B. Outcome measures were recorded using University of Pennsylvania shoulder score (1st subset) and shoulder flexion, abduction, external rotation and internal rotation range of motion using an universal goniometer. Results: Inter group comparison were analyzed using Independent t test and one way analysis of variance was used to analyze pre intervention, and post interventional results after 1 and 2 weeks respectively. The level of significance will be set at P < 0.05. Proprioceptive neuromuscular facilitation technique achieved significance in improving ROM and showed satisfactory results in university of Pennsylvania shoulder score when compared with muscle energy technique. Conclusion: Proprioceptive neuromuscular facilitation technique was effective in relieving pain, restoring ROM and restoring function among subjects with adhesive capsulitis.