脑卒中患者不同强度随意运动时的sEMG反应特点

目的：观察不同强度静态及动态运动负荷对脑卒中患者四肢肌肉sEMG信号变化的影响,研究脑卒中患者四肢肌肉活动的表面肌电信号特征与其神经运动控制的关系。方法：24例脑卒中患者参加本项研究,采用患、健侧自身对照实验方法设计,采用上肢屈肘和下肢伸膝静态运动,以及肘关节和膝关节动态屈伸运动负荷试验,采集主动肌和拮抗肌的表面肌电信号,分析信号振幅和拮抗比值等sEMG信号活动特征。结果：最大用力收缩时,上、下肢患侧主动肌AEMG小于健侧,而拮抗比大于健侧;小强度静态运动负荷过程中,患侧上肢主动肌的AEMG略高于患侧,拮抗比明显大于健侧。患侧下肢股外侧肌（VL）、股直肌（RF）和股内侧肌（VM）的平均AEMG、?T标准化值大于健侧,拮抗比小于健侧;小强度动态运动负荷过程中,上肢患侧主动肌AEMG明显高于健侧。下肢患侧VL、RF和VM的AEMG均值具有增大趋势,但无明显差异。而患侧拮抗比明显小于健侧。结论：脑卒中患者由于高位神经元和运动控制功能受损,导致其患侧在最大随意收缩时运动单位募集能力下降,而在轻负荷运动时运动单位募集过度。     

Reinvestigation of the dysfunction in neck and shoulder girdle muscles as the reason of cervicogenic headache among office workers

Purpose: Dysfunction of cervical and shoulder girdle muscles as reason of cervicogenic headache (CEH) was reinvestigated with clinical and neurophysiological studies.

Methods: Forty office workers were randomized into two groups to verify efficiency of supervised kinesiotherapy (N = 20) aimed with improvement of muscle’s activity and headache symptoms releasing.

Headache intensity was evaluated with visual analog scale (VAS), range of cervical movement (ROM) with goniometer, trigger points (TrPs) incidence with palpation and muscle’s strength with Lovett’s scale. Reaction of patients for muscle’s elongation was also evaluated. Surface electromyographical recordings were bilaterally analyzed at rest (rEMG) and during maximal contraction (mcEMG).

Results: Deficits of cervical flexion and muscles strength were found in all patients. TrPs occurred predominantly in painful trapezius muscle. Incidence of trigger points coexisted with intensity of CEH. Results indicated on muscles dysfunction which improved only after supervised therapy. Positive correlations between increase in rEMG amplitudes and high VAS scores, high-amplitude rEMG recordings incidence and increased number of TrPs were found. Negative correlation was detected between amplitude in mcEMG and amplitude of rEMG recordings.

Conclusions: Dysfunction of trapezius muscle was most responsible for CEH etiology. Proposed algorithm of kinesiotherapy was effective as complementary method of the CEH patients treatment.     

慢性腰痛患者站立位躯干屈伸运动时腰背肌的功能变化研究

目的:研究慢性腰痛(CLBP)患者在站立位矢状面屈伸运动时腰背肌功能状况的变化,揭示其改变的可能机制及临床意义。方法:慢性非特异性腰痛患者25例和健康人25例,在站立位进行躯干的屈曲伸展运动,运用表面肌电图(sEMG)仪和摄像系统同步采集记录双侧L2/3、L4/5水平最长肌、多裂肌在站立位、前屈运动、完全屈曲及回到直立位不同运动时相的sEMG值。结果:两组受试对象站立位时,最长肌及多裂肌均方根(RMS)值差异无显著性意义(P>0.05);前屈运动时,最长肌及多裂肌RMS值增大,完全屈曲时,最长肌及多裂肌RMS值减小,腰痛组在前屈运动和完全屈曲时,最长肌和多裂肌RMS值较健康对照组增大,差异具有显著性意义(P<0.05);由屈曲位回至直立位时,腰痛组最长肌和多裂肌的RMS值明显小于健康对照组,差异具有显著性意义(P<0.05);腰痛组最长肌和多裂肌的屈曲-放松比较健康对照组降低,差异具有显著性意义(P<0.05);运动时相对两组受试对象的最长肌和多裂肌RMS值影响均有显著性意义(P<0.05)。结论:在躯干屈伸运动中,健康人腰背肌存在屈曲-放松现象(FRP),腰痛患者腰背肌功能发生疼痛适应性改变,表现为屈曲-放松反应缺如和主动活动机能不足。     

剪切波弹性成像评价鼻咽癌放疗后胸锁乳突肌纤维化康复疗效CSCD

目的:运用剪切波弹性成像评价鼻咽癌放疗后胸锁乳突肌纤维化的康复疗效,为放疗肌纤维化提供临床诊疗新思路和方法。方法:选取20例鼻咽癌放疗患者为受试者,放疗年限1.5~5年,接受3个月康复训练,于治疗前后采集患者的颈椎关节活动度数据,运用剪切波弹性成像采集胸锁乳突肌厚度、宽度和杨氏模量值进行自身治疗前后比较。结果:治疗前后双侧胸锁乳突肌厚度比较,差异有统计学意义(P<0.05);治疗前后双侧胸锁乳突肌宽度比较,差异有统计学意义(P<0.05);治疗前后双侧胸锁乳突肌杨氏模量值比较,差异有统计学意义(P<0.05)。对颈椎关节活动度的比较,受试者治疗前后颈椎向左旋转、向右旋转和向右侧屈关节活动度比较,差异有统计学意义(P<0.05),但向左侧屈、颈前屈和颈后伸关节活动度差异无统计学意义(P>0.05)。结论:治疗后胸锁乳突肌的杨氏模量值较治疗前降低,胸锁乳突肌的宽度和厚度较治疗前增加,颈椎向左旋转、向右旋转以及向右侧屈关节活动度较治疗前提高。剪切波弹性成像技术可用于评估和量化放疗后肌纤维化的康复治疗效果。     

The variable roles of the upper and lower subscapularis during shoulder motion

Background

The varied roles of the subscapularis muscle as an internal rotator of the humerus, a shoulder abductor, a humeral head depressor and an anterior stabiliser may be a result of differing innervation and lines of torque between its superior and inferior components. The aims of the study were to investigate the differences in the level of muscle activation between the upper and lower subscapularis during abduction, flexion, internal and external rotation movements, and temporal characteristics during abduction and flexion.

Methods

Intramuscular electrodes recorded electromyographic muscle activity from the upper and lower subscapularis muscles of the dominant throwing arm of twenty-four normal subjects. Participants completed ten repetitions of four shoulder movements — abduction, flexion, internal rotation and external rotation. Muscle activity was expressed as a percentage of maximum voluntary isometric contraction.

Findings

The lower subscapularis was found to activate at a higher level than the subscapularis during abduction, flexion and external rotation movements and this was significant during concentric and eccentric phases of abduction and flexion (< 0.001). During internal rotation, upper subscapularis muscle activity mirrored that of lower subscapularis, with a mean difference of 1.14%. Neither upper nor lower subscapularis had onset data commencing prior to the abduction movement; however upper subscapularis activated significantly later than lower subscapularis (P = 0.018).

Interpretation

The lower subscapularis has significantly higher muscle activity during shoulder elevation and this might reflect its greater role as a humeral head depressor and anterior stabiliser.     

The ratio of change in muscle thickness between superficial and deep cervical flexor muscles during the craniocervical flexion test and a suggestion regarding clinical treatment of patients with musculoskeletal neck pain

[Purpose] The purpose of this study was to identify the imbalance of muscle recruitment in cervical flexor muscles during the craniocervical flexion test by using ultrasonography and to propose the optimal level of pressure in clinical craniocervical flexion exercise for people with neck pain. [Subjects and Methods] A total of 18 students (9 males and 9 females) with neck pain at D University in Gyeongsangbuk-do, South Korea, participated in this study. The change in muscle thickness in superficial and deep cervical flexor muscles during the craniocervical flexion test was measured using ultrasonography. The ratio of muscle thickness changes between superficial and deep muscles during the test were obtained to interpret the imbalance of muscle recruitment in cervical flexor muscles. [Results] The muscle thickness ratio of the sternocleidomastoid muscle/deep cervical flexor muscles according to the incremental pressure showed significant differences between 22 mmHg and 24 mmHg, between 24 mmHg and 28 mmHg, between 24 mmHg and 30 mmHg, and between 26 mmHg and 28 mmHg. [Conclusion] Ultrasonography can be applied for examination of cervical flexor muscles in clinical environment, and practical suggestion for intervention exercise of craniocervical flexors can be expected on the pressure level between 24 mmHg and 26 mmHg enabling the smallest activation of the sternocleidomastoid muscle.Key words: Cervical flexor muscle, Ultrasonography, Muscle imbalance     

Video based measurement of sagittal range of spinal motion in young and older adults

A revised model of skin marker placement with the two-dimensional (2D) PEAK Motus system was used to investigate the effect of aging on sagittal range of spinal motion. Twenty-four healthy young adults and twenty-two healthy older adults were videotaped while performing the movements of flexion and extension in each spinal region — cervical, thoracic and lumbar spine. Alternative movement tests that may allow a greater range of motion (ROM) for thoracic extension and lumbar flexion were also investigated. Older adults demonstrated significantly decreased flexion/extension ranges in the cervical, thoracic and lumbar spine. The movement of cat-stretch in the all-fours position allowed greater thoracic extension, and the movement of toe-touch in standing permitted greater lumbar flexion. This study provides reference data for sagittal ranges of spinal motion in healthy young and older adults as measured by a 2D imaged-based system. The sagittal model of skin marker placement used in this study can have a broader application for ROM measurement in the clinical setting using a digital camera and freely downloadable software.     

Fatigue-induced changes in phasic muscle activation patterns during dynamic trunk extension exercise

OBJECTIVE: To investigate the influence of fatigue on phasic muscle-activation patterns during dynamic trunk extension exercise. DESIGN: Fifteen healthy volunteers performed dynamic trunk-extension exercise through a 30-degree range-of-motion (ROM) exercise to task failure at an intensity of 50% of maximum. Electromyography (EMG) signals were recorded unilaterally from the lumbar extensor, gluteus maximus, and biceps femoris muscles, and signal amplitude was analyzed in 10-degree increments during the unfatigued and fatigued states (0-10 degrees from torso horizontal to the ground was considered extension, and 11-20 and 21-30 degrees of flexion relative to this were considered midphase and flexion, respectively). RESULTS: Lumbar extensor EMG was approximately 75% of maximum EMG, with no differences being observed with respect to ROM or fatigue state. The gluteus maximus demonstrated an altered phasic activation pattern with fatigue, with an increased recruitment during the extension phase (fatigued-state extension-phase EMG: 89.1 +/- 8.3% > flexion phase EMG: 37.8% +/- 9.1%). The biceps femoris demonstrated a similar response during both the fatigued and unfatigued states (fatigued-state extension EMG: 77.8 +/- 5.4% > midphase EMG: 65.8 +/- 5.7% > flexion EMG: 46.8 +/- 4.0%; unfatigued-state extension EMG: 46.1 +/- 3.7% > flexion EMG: 27.1 +/- 2.6%). CONCLUSIONS: During this exercise, as one moves from flexion to extension, hip extensor muscle activity increases, whereas lumbar extensor activity does not. Additionally, fatigue results in an altered recruitment pattern, with the hip extensors being activated to a greater extent in the extension phase. These findings suggest that when this exercise is performed in the prone position, it can be used to stimulate the lumbar and hip extensor muscles, but the specific exercise protocol in terms of set/repetition number and ROM will influence which muscles are primarily targeted.     

Altered Co-contraction of Cervical Muscles in Young Adults with Chronic Neck Pain during Voluntary Neck Motions

[Purpose] Muscle co-contraction is important in stabilizing the spine. The aim of this study was to compare cervical muscle co-contraction in adults with and without chronic neck pain during voluntary movements. [Subjects and Methods] Surface electromyography of three paired cervical muscles was measured in fifteen young healthy subjects and fifteen patients with chronic neck pain. The subjects performed voluntary neck movements in the sagittal and coronal plane at slow speed. The co-contraction ratio was defined as the normalized integration of the antagonistic electromyography activities divided by that of the total muscle activities. [Results] The results showed that the co-contraction ratio of patients was greater during flexion movement, lesser during extension movement, slightly greater during right lateral bending, and slightly lesser during left lateral bending compared with in the controls. [Conclusion] The results suggested that neck pain patients exhibit greater antagonistic muscle activity during flexion and dominate-side bending movements to augment spinal stability, while neuromuscular control provides relatively less protection in the opposite movements. This study helps to specify the changes of the stiffness of the cervical spine in neck pain patients and provides a useful tool and references for clinical assessment of neck disorders.Key words: Co-contraction, Chronic neck pain, Electromyography     

Range of motion in the upper and lower cervical spine in people with chronic neck pain

Reduced cervical range of motion (ROM) is a common finding in people with neck pain. With few exceptions, only the angle between head and thorax has been measured. Our aim was to use an extended model to compare active cervical flexion and extension, separate for upper and lower cervical levels, between people with chronic non-traumatic neck pain and controls. We also investigated associations between ROM measures, symptoms and self-rated functioning.In this cross-sectional study, 102 subjects with neck pain and 33 healthy controls participated. An electromagnetic tracker system was used to measure the kinematics to construct a three-segment model including the thorax, cervical spine and head. Neutral flexion/extension were defined at subjects’ self-selected seated posture.We found that in the neck pain group, extension in the upper cervical levels and predominately flexion for the lower levels were reduced. The ratio between ROM for the upper and lower levels was altered in the neck pain group so that the lower levels contributed to a lesser extent to the total sagittal ROM compared to controls. These findings could not be explained by a greater forward head posture but must have other origins. For the neck pain group, ROM measures were weakly associated to pain and self-rated functioning. Altogether, this implies that using a three-segment model for assessment of ROM can be a valuable improvement for characterisation of patients and treatment evaluation.     

Manuscript Reviewers

Abstract

Aim: To investigate the pattern of overflow facilitated by the use of resistive proprioceptive neuromuscular facilitation (PNF). Method: In a group of 12 young, healthy individuals, recruitment of electrical activity into the tibialis anterior (TA) muscle of the right lower limb (RLL) was assessed using surface electromyography (sEMG) during a random-sequence application of manually-resistive PNF to the other three limbs. Results: Resistance exercise applied to the left lower limb (LLL) was associated with a considerable increase in sEMG activity in the RLL TA muscle compared to its baseline level (p?=?0.001). Resistance exercise applied to the right or left upper limbs (RUL or LUL) respectively showed similar sEMG activity in RLL TA muscle to its baseline level. Conclusion: A resistance exercise would appear to be effective in producing electrical activity in the contralateral homologous muscles of non-exercised limb.     

Magnitudes of gluteus medius muscle activation during standing hip joint movements in spiral-diagonal patterns using elastic tubing resistance

Abstract

The aim of this study was to simultaneously quantify electromyographic (EMG) activation levels (% maximum voluntary isometric contraction [MVIC]) within the gluteus medius muscles on both moving and stance limbs across the performance of four proprioceptive neuromuscular facilitation (PNF) spiral-diagonal patterns in standing using resistance provided by elastic tubing. Differential EMG activity was recorded from the gluteus medius muscle of 26 healthy participants. EMG signals were collected with surface electrodes at a sampling frequency of 1000 Hz during three consecutive repetitions of each spiral-diagonal movement pattern. Significant differences existed among the four-spiral-diagonal movement patterns (F_3,75?=?19.8; p?<?0.001). The diagonal two flexion [D2F] pattern produced significantly more gluteus medius muscle recruitment (50 SD 29.3% MVIC) than any of the other three patterns and the diagonal one extension [D1E] (39 SD 37% MVIC) and diagonal two extension [D2E] (35 SD 29% MVIC) patterns generated more gluteus medius muscle recruitment than diagonal one flexion [D1F] (22 SD 21% MVIC). From a clinical efficiency standpoint, a fitness professional using the spiral-diagonal movement pattern of D2F and elastic tubing with an average peak tension of about 9% body mass may be able to concurrently strengthen the gluteus medius muscle on both stance and moving lower limbs.     

Effect of the cervical flexion angle during smart phone use on muscle fatigue of the cervical erector spinae and upper trapezius

[Purpose] The purpose of this study was to examine the influence of the cervical flexion angle when using a smart phone on muscle fatigue of the cervical erector spinae (CES) and upper trapezius (UT). [Subjects] This study recruited 12 healthy adults. [Methods] Each subject sat on a chair, with his/her back against the wall and held a smart phone with both hands. Fatigue of the neck and shoulder muscles at different cervical flexion angles (0°, 30°, and 50°) was measured by electromyography. The following muscles were assessed: the right upper trapezius (RtUT), left upper trapezius (LtUT), right cervical erector spinae (RtCES), and left cervical erector spinae (LtCES). A cervical range of motion instrument was attached to the subjects’ heads to measure the cervical angle during the experiment. [Results] The RtUT and LtUT showed the highest muscle fatigue at a cervical flexion angle of 50° and the lowest fatigue at an angle of 30°. There was no significant difference in the muscle fatigue of the RtCES and LtCES at any of the cervical flexion angles. [Conclusion] UT muscle fatigue depends on the cervical flexion angle when using a smart phone.Key words: Smart phone, Muscle fatigue, Cervical flexion angle     

Relationship between the cervical component of the slump test and change in hamstring muscle tension

SUMMARY. The slump test has been used routinely to differentiate low back pain due to involvement of neural structures from low back pain attributable to other factors. It is also said to differentiate between posterior thigh pain due to neural involvement from that due to hamstring injury. If changes in cervical position affect the hamstring muscles, differential diagnosis is confounded. Posterior thigh pain caused by the cervical component of the slump could then be caused either by increased tension on neural structures or increased tension in the hamstrings themselves. The aim of this study was to determine whether changing the cervical position during slump altered posterior thigh pain and/or the tension in the hamstring muscle. Asymptomatic subjects aged between 18 and 30 years were tested. A special fixation device was engineered to fix the trunk, pelvis and lower limb. Pain levels in cervical flexion and extension were assessed by visual analogue scale. Fixation was successful in that there were no significant differences in position of the pelvis or knee during changes in cervical position. Averaged over the group, there was a 40% decrease (P < 0.05) in posterior thigh pain with cervical extension. There were no significant differences in hamstring electromyographic readings during the cervical movements. This indicated that: (1) cervical movement did not change hamstring muscle tension, and (2) the change in experimentally induced pain during cervical flexion was not due to changes in the hamstring muscle. This conclusion supports the view that posterior thigh pain caused by the slump test and relieved by cervical extension arises from neural structures rather than the hamstring muscle. Copyright 1997 Harcourt Publishers Ltd.     

The Effect of a New Neck Support Tying Method Using Thera-Band on Cervical ROM and Shoulder Muscle Pain after Overhead Work

[Purpose] This study proposed a new neck support tying (NST) method using Thera-Band for the prevention of neck and shoulder pain in workers doing overhead work. The purpose of this study was to investigate the effect of the new NST method using Thera-Band on cervical ROM and shoulder pain after overhead work. [Subjects] Fourteen male subjects were recruited. [Methods] This study measured the cervical ROM and pressure pain threshold (PPT) of the upper and middle trapezius (UT and MT) muscles after the control and NST groups had performed overhead work. [Results] The cervical flexion, extension, and lateral flexion angles of the NST group were significantly larger than those of the control group. The PPTs of UT and MT of the NST group were significantly higher than those of the control group [Conclusion] The NST prevented ROM reduction and pain in the cervical and shoulder regions.Key words: Neck supporter, Overhead work, Thera-Band     

Comparisons of electromyographic activity of scapular muscles between elevation and lowering of the arms

The aim of this study was to compare the electromyographic (EMG) activity levels of the serratus anterior, upper, middle, and lower trapezius muscles between elevation and lowering of the arms with 10 healthy subjects. The EMGs of each muscle was quantified and normalized for the complete movement, as well as for the six different phases of each movement. Repeated measure ANOVAs were used to investigate main and interaction effects between movements/sides and sides/phases (alpha<0.05). Significant differences were found between the elevation and the lowering of the arms for all muscles (p相似文献   

Muscular synergy in the shoulder during a fatiguing static contraction

The synergic operation of shoulder muscles during a fatiguing submaximal arm flexion task was studied using both a biomechanical 3-dimensional shoulder model and electromyographic recordings. A new optimization scheme aiming to maximize the task endurance time by constantly regulating the force output of each muscle is utilized in the model. The method can be used to simulate the muscle rotation phenomenon, which has been proposed to occur during an endurance type contraction. The model predictions on the fatigue order of the shoulder muscles were compared to results derived using the median frequencies of the electromyographic signals from nine muscles or muscle parts. In the test performed 10 men held until exhaustion a weight (4 kg) suspended on the wrist with the arm in horizontal flexion. The deltoid, infraspinatus, and supraspinatus muscles were the first to show electromyographic signs of fatigue. The times for detecting electromyographic changes in the trapezius muscle were longer than those in the muscles first showing electromyographic signs of fatigue. The biomechanical model used predicted the upper and lower infraspinatus and the anterior part of the deltoid to be the first to show signs of fatigue during the flexion task. The predictions of the biomechanical model on the order of fatigue of the nine shoulder muscles monitored also using electromyographic recordings corresponded to the electromyographic results. However, the accuracy of this comparison is limited by the fact that the electromyographic recordings did not cover all the muscles used in the model. No clear order was found for the development of electromyographic signs of muscle fatigue. RELEVANCE--:The biomechanical model and the developed optimization methods provide new tools for studying the synergic operation of shoulder muscles during fatiguing contractions. Our results will help in analysing and optimizing shoulder load in problematic functions both of work and leisure activities.     

Surface electromyography activity of trunk muscles during wheelchair propulsion

BACKGROUND: Trunk instability due to paralysis can have adverse effects on posture and function in a wheelchair. The purpose of this study was to record trunk muscle recruitment patterns using surface electromyography from unimpaired individuals during wheelchair propulsion under various propulsion speed conditions to be able to design trunk muscle stimulation patterns for actual wheelchair users with spinal cord injury. METHODS: Fourteen unimpaired subjects propelled a test wheelchair on a dynamometer system at two steady state speeds of 0.9 m/s and 1.8 m/s and acceleration from rest to their maximum speed. Lower back/abdominal surface electromyography and upper body movements were recorded for each trial. Based on the hand movement during propulsion, the propulsive cycle was further divided into five stages to describe the activation patterns. FINDINGS: Both abdominal and back muscle groups revealed significantly higher activation at early push and pre-push stages when compared to the other three stages of the propulsion phase. With increasing propulsive speed, trunk muscles showed increased activation (P<0.0001). Back muscle activity was significantly higher than abdominal muscle activity across the three speed conditions (P<0.0005), with lower back muscles predominating. INTERPRETATION: Abdominal and back muscle groups cocontracted at late recovery phase and early push phase to provide sufficient trunk stability to meet the demands of propulsion. This study provides an indication of the amount and duration of stimulation needed for a future application of electrical stimulation of the trunk musculature for persons with spinal cord injury.     

A normative study of cervical range of motion measures including the flexion–rotation test in asymptomatic children: side-to-side variability and pain provocation

Objectives: Cervical movement impairment has been identified as a core component of cervicogenic headache evaluation. However, normal range of motion values in children has been investigated rarely and no study has reported such values for the flexion–rotation test (FRT). The purpose of this study was to identify normal values and side-to-side variation for cervical spine range of motion (ROM) and the FRT, in asymptomatic children aged 6–12 years. Another important purpose was to identify the presence of pain during the FRT.

Methods: Thirty-four asymptomatic children without history of neck pain or headache (26 females and 8 males, mean age 125.38 months [SD 13.14]) were evaluated. Cervical spine cardinal plane ROM and the FRT were evaluated by a single examiner using a cervical ROM device.

Results: Values for cardinal plane ROM measures are presented. No significant gender difference was found for any ROM measure. Mean difference in ROM for rotation, side flexion, and the FRT were less than one degree. However, intra-individual variation was greater, with lower bound scores of 9.32° for rotation, 5.30° for side flexion, and 10.89° for the FRT. Multiple linear regression analysis indicates that movement in the cardinal planes only explains 19% of the variance in the FRT. Pain scores reported following the FRT were less than 2/10.

Discussion: Children have consistently greater cervical spine ROM than adults. In children, side-to-side variation in rotation and side flexion ROM and range recorded during the FRT indicates that the clinician should be cautious when using range in one direction to determine impairment in another. Range recorded during the FRT is independent of cardinal movement variables, which further adds to the importance of the FRT, as a test that mainly evaluates range of movement of the upper cervical spine.     

The effect of zaltoprofen on physiotherapy for limited shoulder movement in breast cancer patients: a single-blinded before-after trial

OBJECTIVE: To determine the efficacy of oral administration of zaltoprofen on shoulder range of motion (ROM) exercises for breast cancer patients after surgery. DESIGN: Single-blind, before-after trial. SETTING: Rehabilitation facility in a Japanese university hospital. PARTICIPANTS: Forty breast cancer patients (age range, 37-72y) with limited shoulder movement after surgery. INTERVENTION: Single session of physiotherapy (PT) with or without oral administration of zaltoprofen. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: Active shoulder ROM in flexion, abduction, and external rotation, as well as subjective pain score during shoulder movements. RESULTS: Active shoulder movements after ingesting a zaltoprofen tablet significantly improved in flexion, abduction (P<.001), and external rotation (P<.005). PT treatment improved flexion and abduction ROM in both the zaltoprofen and control groups and led to significantly larger flexion and abduction movements in the zaltoprofen group than in the control group (P<.01). There were no differences in pain scores between groups, but 2 patients who did not receive zaltoprofen complained of increased pain just after ROM exercises. CONCLUSION: Zaltoprofen taken orally before ROM exercises for painful shoulder after breast cancer surgery may enhance the effects of PT.