Effectiveness of Blackburn Exercise on Pain, ROM and Disability in Shoulder Impingement Syndrome among Construction Workers: An Experimental Study

Abstract

Background: shoulder impingement syndrome (SIS) is one of the most common disorders of affecting the shoulder joint. Approximately 44-46% of general population are affected by shoulder pain due to impingement syndrome. It affects the structure passing through the subacromial space. Construction workers are frequently involved in lifting, pushing, pulling and overhead activities for long period of time during their work. This continuous work in poor posture alters the normal muscle function & biomechanics of shoulder joint and leads to the shoulder impingement syndrome. Therefore, the purpose of this study was to find the effectiveness of blackburns exercise on Pain, ROM & Disability in shoulder impingement syndrome in construction workers. Materials and Methods: 64 construction workers who are routinely involved in overhead activities and having shoulder pain and difficulty in performing overhead activity were included in the study. Neers impingement test, Hawkins Kennedy impingement test & painful arc syndrome was the diagnostic criteria. Visual analogue scale (VAS), Shoulder Pain and disability index (SPADI), universal goniometer were used to assess the individuals. paired t – test was used. Result: There was considerable difference in pre and post score of VAS, SPADI and ROM with the p value of <0.0001. Conclusion: Study concludes that blackburn exercise is effective in reducing the pain and improving the shoulder ROM and functional disability in construction workers. Key words: shoulder impingement syndrome, construction workers, blackburn exercise.