Riassunto dello studio

Seventy-one patients with subacromial impingement syndrome were randomized to receive 3 weeks of low-level laser therapy (LLLT; n=37) or 3 weeks of extracorporeal shockwave therapy (ESWT; n=34). Outcomes of interest included range of motion, Visual Analog Scale (VAS) pain scores during the day and night, Shoulder Pain and Disability Index (SPADI) scores, Beck Depression and Anxiety scores, Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index scores, and Short-Form 36 (SF-36) physical and mental component scores. Outcomes were assessed upon completion of treatment and at 3 months follow up. Results revealed significantly favourable VAS daytime pain scores and SPADI pain scores at 3 months in the ESWT group. SPADI disability and total scores were significantly in favour of the ESWT group at all time-points. Pittsburgh scores, SF-36 mental scores, and SF-36 physical scores were significantly in favour of the ESWT group. No other differences were detected between the two groups.