Comparative Effects of Percussion Massage Therapy and Instrument-Assisted Soft Tissue Mobilization as Adjuncts to Conventional Physiotherapy in Subacromial Impingement Syndrome: A Randomized Controlled Trial
This assessor-blinded, three-arm, parallel-group randomized controlled trial will investigate the additional effects of percussion massage therapy and instrument-assisted soft tissue mobilization in individuals with subacromial impingement syndrome. Forty-eight participants aged 40-60 years with clinically and magnetic resonance imaging-confirmed subacromial impingement syndrome will be randomly allocated in a 1:1:1 ratio to conventional physiotherapy, percussion massage therapy plus conventional physiotherapy, or instrument-assisted soft tissue mobilization plus conventional physiotherapy. All groups received a standardized four-week conventional physiotherapy programme. Participants in the percussion massage therapy and instrument-assisted soft tissue mobilization groups additionally received their respective interventions three times per week for four weeks. Outcomes were evaluated at baseline and immediately after the four-week intervention. The primary outcome was shoulder joint position sense during flexion and abduction. Secondary outcomes were shoulder range of motion, resting and activity-related pain, upper-extremity disability, and rotator cuff-related quality of life.
• Men or women aged 40 to 60 years.
• Diagnosis of subacromial impingement syndrome confirmed by clinical examination and -magnetic resonance imaging.
• Positive Neer test.
• Positive Hawkins-Kennedy test.
• Positive painful arc test.
• Shoulder symptoms persisting for at least one month.
• Ability and willingness to participate in the assessment and intervention programme.
• Provision of written informed consent.