Scapular kinematics pre- and post-thoracic thrust manipulation in individuals with and without shoulder impingement symptoms: a randomized controlled study

Randomized controlled trial with immediate follow-up. To evaluate the immediate effects of a low-amplitude, high-velocity thrust thoracic spine manipulation (TSM) on pain and scapular kinematics during elevation and lowering of the arm in individuals with shoulder impingement syndrome (SIS). The secondary objective was to evaluate the immediate effects of TSM on scapular kinematics during elevation and lowering of the arm in individuals without symptoms. Considering the regional interdependence among the shoulder and the thoracic and cervical spines, TSM may improve pain and function in individuals with SIS. Comparing individuals with SIS to those without shoulder pathology may provide information on the effects of TSM specifically in those with SIS. Fifty subjects (mean ± SD age, 31.8 ± 10.9 years) with SIS and 47 subjects (age, 25.8 ± 5.0 years) asymptomatic for shoulder dysfunction were randomly assigned to 1 of 2 interventions: TSM or a sham intervention. Scapular kinematics were analyzed during elevation and lowering of the arm in the sagittal plane, and a numeric pain rating scale was used to assess shoulder pain during arm movement at preintervention and postintervention. For those in the SIS group, shoulder pain was reduced immediately after TSM and the sham intervention (mean ± SD preintervention, 2.9 ± 2.5; postintervention, 2.3 ± 2.5; P