The Role of Proprioceptive Neuromuscular Facilitation in the Physical Therapy of Patients with Adhesive Capsulitis of the Shoulder Joint

Abstract

The purpose of the study was to perform an analysis of the results of studies devoted to the study of the effectiveness of proprioceptive neuromuscular facilitation in patients with adhesive capsulitis of the shoulder joint. Materials and methods. This work is the result of an analysis of studies devoted to the study of the effect of proprioceptive neuromuscular facilitation as monotherapy and as a part of a complex physical therapy or rehabilitation program on the range of motion in the shoulder joint, pain on the visual analog scale, and the shoulder pain and disability index. During the search in scientific databases, the data of 11 studies, which are devoted to the specified issues, were selected. Results and discussion. Studies examining the immediate effects of interventions have found both benefits and no benefits on amplitude measures in groups of patients who received proprioceptive neuromuscular facilitation in addition to physical therapy or as a component of adjunctive therapy. Thus, it is not possible to draw unequivocal conclusions in the question of advantages regarding the immediate effect. Analysis of the effectiveness of programs and courses of treatment for adhesive capsulitis of the shoulder joint established that in the vast majority of studies, the results in the proprioceptive neuromuscular facilitation groups were better at the end of the treatment (3-4 weeks). At the same time, in most studies, scientists noted a significant improvement in pain, amplitude, and functioning indicators in control groups, that is, without the use of proprioceptive neuromuscular facilitation. All of the reviewed papers that analyzed the effectiveness of adding only proprioceptive neuromuscular facilitation to physical therapy programs or adding proprioceptive neuromuscular facilitation as a part of adjunctive therapy found advantages in such groups in terms of pain improvement on a visual analog scale or a pain subscale in questionnaires. Only one such study did not indicate a benefit of proprioceptive neuromuscular facilitation in external rotation. In addition, in most cases, proprioceptive neuromuscular facilitation or combined therapy with proprioceptive neuromuscular facilitation had a better effect on the amplitude of abduction and flexion at the shoulder joint. Conclusion. The developed Ukrainian versions of the questionnaires can be used to assess the level of therapeutic alliance and patient satisfaction in the field of physical therapy and occupational therapy