Shoulder work-related musculoskeletal disorders represent a major occupational health problem. The most common shoulder disorder described in the literature is the subacromial impingement syndrome. This pathomechanism is generally associated with an abnormal superior humeral head migration during arm elevation. The aim of this study is to investigate the effect of a specific closed-chain humeral head centering exercise on shoulder pain and function at workplace.

20 subjects with impingement symptoms have performed 5 dynamic humeral head centering sessions with the help of a specific device (Scapuleo™, Europhyseo). Shoulder pain and function were evaluated at baseline, after the first exercise session (immediate effects) and after the last exercise session (intervention program effects). Shoulder pain was assessed by means of visual analog scale. Shoulder function was evaluated using analytic active range of motion tests (modified Yocum test; arm abduction) and functional test (repetitive pointing task).

After the first training session, shoulder pain significantly decreased (P<0.01). One-session effect was also observed on shoulder range of motion during both modified Yocum test (P<0.001) and arm abduction (P<0.01). Finally, all dependent variables were significantly improved at the end of the intervention program.

The results of this study could be explained by humeral head centering improvement and rotator cuff muscles recruitment. Immediate and apparent beneficial effects induced by this intervention program fitted health and performance issues, essential for individuals as for companies. This study underlined the relevance of specific therapeutic exercises in work-related musculoskeletal management at the workplace.