Background: Sling exercises are frequently used for the rehabilitation process of patients with shoulder joint injuries, but research on the significant frequency intensity and appropriate treatment duration for sling exercises with local vibration stimulation is lacking. Objects: The aim of this study was to investigate the effects of sling exercise with vibration on shoulder range of motion (ROM), muscle strength, pain, and dysfunction in patients with a medical diagnosis of shoulder joint injury. Methods: Twenty-two patients were randomly assigned to the experiment and control groups. Six sling exercises with and without 50 ㎐ vibrations were applied in the experiment and control groups, respectively. Each exercise consisted of 3 sets of 5 repetitions performed for 6 weeks. The assessment tools used included shoulder joint range of motion, muscle strength, pain level, and shoulder pain and disability index for functional disability. We conducted re-evaluations before and 3 and 6 weeks after intervention. The changes in the measurement variables were analyzed and compared between the two groups. Results: The ROM of the external rotation of the shoulder joint had a significant interaction between the group and the measurement point (F=3.652, p<.05). In both groups, we found a significant increase in external rotation angle between the measurement points (p<.05). The flexor strength of the shoulder joint significant interaction between the group and the measurement point (F=4.247, p<.05). Both the experiment (p<.01) and control groups (p<.05) showed a significant increase in shoulder flexor strength at the measurement points. After 6 weeks of the interventions, both the groups showed significantly improved VAS (p<.01), SPADI (p<.01), and orthopedic tests (p<.01). However, there was no significant difference between the group and the measurement point in terms of the clinical outcomes observed. Conclusion: The sling exercise with local vibration of 50 ㎐ affected the external rotation of the shoulder range of motion and improved shoulder flexor strength in the patients with shoulder injuries. Therefore, we propose the use of the sling exercise intervention with vibration in the exercise rehabilitation of patients with shoulder joint injuries.

This study examined the effects of a physical therapy program on quality of life (QOL), and neck and shoulder disability in head and neck cancer patients. The program included neck and shoulder range of motion (ROM) exercises, massage, progressive strengthening exercises, and stretching exercises. Sixteen patients who were assigned to an experimental group performed physical therapy for 40 minutes three times a week for eight weeks. Fifteen other patients were assigned to a control group who did not performed the physical therapy program. The European organization for research and treatment of cancer (EORTC QLQ-C30) and head and neck (EORTC QLQ-H&N) instruments, and the Neck Disability Index (NDI) were assessed before and after the rehabilitation program. The 40-minute program consisted of a 10-minute ROM exercise for the neck and shoulder, a 10-minute massage and 15-minute of progressive resistance exercises, followed by a five-minute stretching exercises. Statistically significant differences were noted for changes in global health, physical function in the EORTC QLQ-C30 and cancer related symptoms in the EORTC QLQ-H&N35 (p<.05). The NDI also showed significant differences (p<.05). Physical therapy may therefore benefit the physical aspects and QOL and improve neck and shoulder disability in patients with head and neck cancer.