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Updated: May 17, 2025
Author Spotlight: Methodologies and Advancements of Chronic Pain Management Research
Published on: January 5, 2024
The effectiveness of graded motor imagery training on pain and functionality in patients with subacromial pain
Masoud Amir Rashedi Bonab1, Tugba Kuru Colak2, Ilker Colak3
1Physiotherapy and Rehabilitation Department, Institute of Health Sciences, Marmara University, Istanbul, Turkey.
Background:
Pain from subacromial pain syndrome (SAPS) can limit individuals' daily activities and reduce physical performance. The effectiveness of graded motor imagery (GMI) training for this condition remains unexplored. This prospective, randomized controlled trial aimed to determine the effects of GMI training in patients with chronic painful SAPS.
Methods:
Forty-two patients with SAPS were randomly assigned to the GMI (n = 21) and the control (n = 21) groups. Primary measures were the visual analogue scale (VAS), and the Disability of the Arm, Shoulder, and Hand (DASH) questionnaire. Secondary measures were Active Range of Motion (AROM), muscle strength, lateralization performance and Kinesthetic and Visual Imagery Questionnaire (KVIQ). Evaluations occurred at baseline, postintervention (6 weeks), and after a 6-week follow up.
Results:
The GMI group showed significantly greater improvements in both primary and secondary outcomes compared to the control group (p < 0.001). Significantly larger effect sizes were found in favor of the GMI group for VAS, DASH, abduction, external rotation AROM, muscle strength, lateralization performance, and KVIQ (ηp2 > 0.14, p < 0.05, for all).
Conclusions:
The integration of GMI training into conventional physiotherapy for SAPS rehabilitation provides more effective clinical results in improving pain intensity and increasing functionality.
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