STUDY: Double-blind, randomized controlled trial. OBJECTIVES: Evaluate the effects of pulsed electromagnetic field (PEMF) in reducing pain, improve function and muscle strength in patients with shoulder impingement syndrome (SIS). INTRODUCTION: Recent studies show that a PEMF based program has been indicated for musculoskeletal disorders. However, there are few clinical studies to evaluate the results of this type of program for SIS. METHODS: Fifty-six patients were recruited, aged between 40 and 59 years, diagnosed with SIS. The participants were divided into two groups: PEMF (n = 26, average age of 50.77 years) and placebo group (n = 30, ages of 50.15 years). The variables UCLA, scale of constant Murley, EVA and internal and external rotation and shoulder elevation muscle strength were used. RESULTS: At the end of treatment, both groups showed improvements in all outcome measures in relation to baseline values. Changes over time at UCLA, Constant-Murley and EVA were not different between PEMF and placebo group. CONCLUSION: The PEMF was effective in improving the function of the shoulder and pain relief in patients with SIS. There was a slight improvement of pain in both groups, after the application of PEMF and placebo, with no statistically significant difference between the groups, which suggested there was a placebo effect. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Therapy, level 1A.

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