Table 4 Characteristics and evaluation of included studies
Study | Method | Participants | Outcome measures | Results/comments | Key domains | Score | Quality |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Baskurt 2011 [54] | Randomized by simple random table. | n = 40, 13 male, 27 female. 24–71 year. with a mean age of 51. | Measured before and after intervention. Pain:VAS ROM: Goniometer Strength: Hand held dynamometer Function and QoL: WORC. Clinical tests: Joint Position Sense and Lateral Scapular Slide Test | Patients outcomes improved statistically in both groups (P < 0.05). No significant difference between groups in all parameters (P > 0.05) except muscle strength for lower trapezius and supraspinatus and clinical tests (P < 0.05). Comments: Missing P-values and CI in results section. No protocol registered. | Low risk: Randomization Drop-out rate Intention-to-treat Unclear risk: Allocation Compliance High risk: Other bias (sample size) | High risk (downgrade 1) | Moderate |
Dilek 2016 [57] | Randomized using block randomization. | n = 63, 21 male, 42 women. 25–65 years. with a mean age of 49.13. Mean duration of symptoms: approx. 17 months. | Measured at baseline, 6 and 12 weeks. Pain: VAS ROM: Goniometer Strength: Isokinetic dynamometer system (Cybex Norm) Function and QoL: WORC and ASES | Both groups improved significantly in ROM, pain scores, isometric strength in all angles, Sense of kinesthesia at 0° ER, ASES and WORC (P < 0.05). No significant difference was found between groups in any of the parameters (P > 0.05). Comments: No protocol registered. | Low risk: Randomization Allocation Drop-out rate Intention-to-treat Unclear risk: Compliance High risk: Other bias (sample size) | High risk (downgrade 1) | Moderate |
Martins 2012 [58] | Unclear randomization | n = 18, nursing professionals with age ranging from 30 to 50+ yrs. 16 subjects completed the study consisting of 2 male and 14 females. (no information on gender n = 2) | Pain: VNS Function and QoL: WORC | Both groups exhibited significant reduction in pain scores (P < 0.05), however, no significant differences between groups. Only the intervention group improved WORC scores significantly. Comments: Outcomes of pain was less well presented and reduces transparency of data. | Low risk: Allocation Drop-out rate Intention-to-treat Compliance Unclear risk: Randomization High risk: Other bias (sample size) | High risk (downgrade 1) | Moderate |
Mulligan 2016 [53] | Randomized using blind draw. | n = 50, 14 male and 26 females, (no information on gender n = 10) | Measured at baseline, 4 weeks, 8 weeks, 16 weeks Pain: NPRS Function and QoL: ASES; GPF; GROC. | No significant between group and time. Both groups exhibited significant reduction in pain scores and function. However, no significant differences between groups. Comments: Protocol registered. Unclear reporting of co-interventions. | Low risk: Randomization Drop-out rate Intention-to-treat Allocation Unclear risk: Compliance High risk: Other bias (sample size) | High risk (downgrade 1) | Moderate |
Struyf 2013 [55] | Randomized using closed envelopes. | n = 22, 10 male and 12 females. Aging from 30 to 61 years with a mean age of 45.8. | Measured at baseline, after nine sessions (4–8 weeks) and 12 weeks Post treatment. Pain:VAS and VNRS Function and QoL: SDQ Clinical measures: Strength: handheld Dynamometer, Impingement test VAS Hawkins, Empty Can or Neer tests. Acromial distance, pectoralis minor length, scapula upward rotation and kinetic medial rotation test. | After nine sessions the Experimental group demonstrated significant effect on self-reported disability compared to the Control group (P = 0.025). Both groups increased from baseline in all outcomes measured (P < 0.05). No significant differences between group for strength or clinical measures, with exception for VAS by Neers test (p = 0.02) Comments: The protocol states that outcomes will be measured after 6 months. It is reported interim analysis was planned, however, is not mentioned in the protocol. | Low risk: Randomization Allocation Intention-to-treat Drop-out rate Unclear risk: Compliance High risk: Other bias (sample size and interim analyze) | High risk (downgrade 1) | Moderate |
Wang 2006 [56] | Randomized using pre-prepared sealed envelopes. | n = 38, aging from 26 to 68 years. with a mean age of 44.6. Of the 38 subjects, 30 were analyzed consisting of 15 male and 15 female. | Measured at baseline, 4 and 8 weeks. Pain: VAS Function and QoL: FLEX-SF ROM: Goniometer Strength: handheld dynamometer | No significant interaction between group and time. Both groups had significant improvements in regards to pain, function and muscle strength. FLEX-SF improved significantly after 8 weeks. Pain improved significantly after 4 and 8 weeks. Comments: No protocol registered. No gender distribution of the included subjects. | Low risk: Randomization Intention-to-treat Compliance Unclear risk: Allocation High risk: Drop-out rate Other bias (sample size) | High risk (downgrade 2) | Low |