COMPARISON OF MATRIX RHYTHM THERAPY AND STRETCHING EXERCISES ON FROZEN SHOULDER: RANDOMISED CONTROLLED TRIAL

Purpose: To compare the short-term effectiveness of Matrix Rhythm Therapy and stretching exercises in patients with frozen shoulder. Methods: Forty-three patients (mean age 52.6 years) with frozen shoulder were randomly assigned to one of 2 treatment groups: Matrix Rhythm Therapy group and stretching exercises group. Both groups were treated for 6 weeks and performed the same home exercise program. The range of motion was measured using a conventional goniometer. Constant score and the Disabilities of the Arm, Shoulder and Hand score was used for functional assessment. General health status and satisfaction of the patients were evaluated by Short Form Health Survey-36 and Global Rating of Change score, respectively. The changes in dependent variables before treatment and after 3, 6 weeks of treatment and 24 weeks of follow-up were analyzed using 2X5 mixed-model analysis of variance (ANOVA) to assess overall group, time, and group interaction effects. Results: Both groups had significant improvement in all outcome measurements (p<0.05). Two by 5 mixed-model ANOVA revealed a significant group-time interaction for Constant score (p=0.009) and Short Form Health Survey-36 physical component score (p=0.009) patients receiving stretching exercise at 24 weeks' follow-up. Pairwise comparison showed that SF-36 physical component score at 6 weeks and Constant score at 3 and 6 weeks follow ups were better in stretching exercise group. Discussion: The patients improved with both treatment strategies; however, stretching exercise was found to be superior to Matrix Rhythm Therapy for function, physical health, and satisfaction of the patients.