Effect of Resistance Exercise Program for Middle-Aged Women with Myofascial Pain Syndrome on Shoulder Pain, Angle of Shoulder Range of Motion, and Body Composition Randomized Controlled Trial, RCT

Purpose: This study aimed to identify the effects of myofascial pain syndrome on shoulder pain, range of motion, and body composition around the shoulder in middle-aged women. Methods: A total of 72 women participated in the randomized controlled trial. The subjects were grouped into an experimental group (n=39) and a control group (n=33). The experimental group received a resistance exercise program using an elastic band for 8 weeks, 3 days a week. The control group followed a normal daily for 8 weeks. Measurements were conducted three times; before the experimental treatment (pre-test), the 2nd and 8th weeks after treatment. Results: Regarding the general characteristics and homogeneity of the dependent variables, there were no significant differences between the two groups, except for the thickness of the left and right muscles and the left fat. After treatment, shoulder pain was significantly different between the two groups (F=18.54, p<.001) and the range of shoulder motion was significantly different (left, F=86.70, p<,001; right, F=98.66, p<.001). Furthermore, there were a significant differences in the thickness of muscles between the two groups (left, F=40.20, p<.001; right, F=29.57, p<.001); however, the thickness of fat was not significantly different. Conclusion: The resistance exercise program reduces shoulder pain and improves the range of motion of the shoulder joint and increases muscle mass on around the shoulder. It suggests to conduct a study to confirm the long-term exercise effect.