Riassunto dello studio

Seventy patients with subacromial pain syndrome and glenohumeral internal rotation deficit were randomized into three groups: modified cross-body stretching with rapid eccentric contraction (EMCBS; n=24), static modified cross-body stretching (SMCBS; n=23), or a control group with no stretching (CG; n=23). The primary outcome was internal rotation range of motion (IRROM), and secondary outcomes included posterior shoulder tightness, external rotation ROM, pain, shoulder function, strength, acromiohumeral distance (AHD), and supraspinatus tendon thickness. Outcomes were assessed at baseline and after 4 weeks of therapy. Overall, the results revealed that both types of stretching (EMCBS and SMCBS) improved clinical and ultrasonographic outcomes compared to no stretching. Stretching with rapid eccentric contraction showed a significant improvement in external rotation ROM but did not outperform static stretching for most other outcomes.