Effects of strengthening and stretching exercises applied during working hours on pain and physical impairment in workers with subacromial impingement syndrome.

This study evaluated the effectiveness of a rehabilitation program performed during working hours on function and pain in workers with subacromial impingement syndrome. Fourteen male workers (31.93 +/- 5.86 years) in the school supply industry were assessed. The duration of their shoulder pain was 28.50 +/- 33.64 months, and their amount of time in this industry was 9.07 +/- 3.68 years. The Disabilities of the Arm, Shoulder, and Hand (DASH) questionnaire evaluated function of the upper limbs. The Mc Gill Pain Questionnaire quantified the pain by the number of words chosen and the pain rating index (PRI). Subjects completed an 8-week rehabilitation program, twice a week, consisting of cryotherapy, strengthening, and stretching exercises. Subjects' outcome data were collected pre- and post-intervention. The results showed that DASH scores improved (p<0.05) and the number of words chosen and PRI decreased (p<0.05) on the McGill Pain Questionnaire at post-intervention. Results should be interpreted cautiously, considering the lack of a control group in the investigation. In conclusion, it is suggested that an intervention program consisting of cryotherapy, strengthening, and stretching applied during working hours and twice a week may be effective to decrease pain and physical impairment in male workers with subacromial impingement syndrome.