The effectiveness of graded motor imagery training on pain and functionality in patients with subacromial pain syndrome: a prospective, single-blind, randomized controlled trial

Review written by Todd Hargrove info

Key Points

  1. Adding graded motor imagery (GMI) training to conventional physiotherapy significantly improved pain and function in patients with chronic subacromial pain syndrome.
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BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVE

Subacromial pain syndrome (SAPS) is a common shoulder condition that can become chronic and may lead to central sensitization.

Graded motor imagery (GMI) attempts to treat central sensitization in three sequential stages: lateralization training (distinguishing left from right), motor imagery (imagining movements), and mirror therapy. While GMI has shown promise for other chronic pain conditions, its effectiveness for SAPS has not been tested.

This study aimed to determine whether adding GMI training to conventional physiotherapy would provide better outcomes than conventional physiotherapy alone for patients with chronic SAPS.

Subacromial pain syndrome is a common shoulder condition that can become chronic and may lead to central sensitization.
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Clinicians may consider incorporating graded motor imagery training for subacromial pain syndrome patients with chronic pain, particularly when central sensitization is suspected.

METHODS

  • The researchers recruited 42 patients over age 25 with chronic SAPS confirmed by clinical signs and MRI findings. Their pain had a duration of at least three months and a mean of 8.5 months.
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