Background variables for the two groups according to randomisation
| Specific exercises (n=51) | Control exercises (n=46) | |
|---|---|---|
| Male | 37* | 24 |
| Age (years) mean (range) | 52 (33–65) | 52 (37–65) |
| Duration of pain (months) median (range) | 24 (6–120) | 12 (6–156) |
| Dominant side affected | 30 (59) | 22 (48) |
| Affected shoulder (right:left) | 32:18 | 22:24 |
| Occupation | ||
| Heavy load | 22 (43) | 21 (46) |
| Light load | 29 (57) | 25 (55) |
| On sick leave at start | 9 (18) | 9 (20) |
| Rotator cuff status | ||
| Intact | 33 (65) | 34 (74) |
| Partial tear | 15 (29) | 6 (13) |
| Full thickness | 3 (6) | 6 (13) |
| Radiology | ||
| Subacromial calcification | 9 (18) | 11 (24) |
| Subacromial degeneration HAD† (0–21) | 7 (14) | 9 (18) |
| Anxiety, mean (range) | 3.3 (0–12) | 3.9 (0–13) |
| Depression, mean (range) | 2.2 (0–9) | 2.5 (0–12) |
Values are numbers with percentages in brackets unless stated otherwise.
*Significantly more men in the specific exercise group (p=0.04).
†HAD, Hospital Anxiety Depression Scale. Statistical level of significance p<0.05.
FTT, full-thickness tear; PTT, partial-thickness tear.