The immediate effects of mobilization with movement on shoulder range of motion and pain in patients with rotator cuff-related shoulder pain: A randomized controlled trial (Evolution Trial)

Background: Mobilization with movement (MWM) is commonly used to treat patients with rotator cuff-related shoulder pain (RCRSP). However, the evidence supporting MWM efficacy for improving range of motion (ROM) and pain in patients with RCRSP is limited.

Objectives: To assess the immediate effects of MWM on the angular onset of pain in patients with RCRSP.

Methods: Sixty-three participants with RCRSP were randomized to receive 3 sets of 10 repetitions of MWM or sham MWM with a minute rest between each set. The angular onset of pain (primary outcome), and pain intensity at rest and during shoulder abduction to the onset of pain were measured at baseline, and after receiving the 1^st and 3^rd sets of 10 repetitions of interventions. Other secondary outcomes were measured at baseline and after receiving 3 sets of 10 repetitions of interventions or 1, 2, 3, 5, and 7 days after interventions.

Results: Compared with the sham MWM group, the MWM group had an additional improvement of 6.5° (95% CI -0.9, 13.9) and 13.7° (95% CI 6.3, 21.1) (from baseline) after receiving the 1^st and 3^rd sets of 10 repetitions of interventions, respectively.

Conclusion: MWM improves the angular onset of pain after 3 sets of 10 repetitions of MWM in patients with RCRSP. This study provides preliminary support for the use of MWM in treating patients with RCRSP and provides some guidance for clinicians to decide the MWM dosage to be used in clinical practice.