Comparison of Scapular Muscles Activation with Shoulder Retraction and Shoulder Elevations in Individuals with Scapular Dyskinesia

Abstract

<p><strong>Background: </strong><br /> Scapular dyskinesis is a condition that is commonly associated with shoulder pathology but is also present in asymptomatic individuals, and it is believed to be a risk factor for further injury. Evidence suggests that patients with rotator cuff–related shoulder pain present scapular kinematic abnormalities such as decreased scapular upward rotation, decreased scapular posterior tipping, and external rotation. It has been proposed that abnormal scapular kinematics may be linked to weakness of scapular muscle. <br /> Muscle Activation is a very specific, non-medical, mechanically based process of evaluating and treating muscular imbalance and dysfunction. Its main goal is to increase the contractile capability of your muscles, resulting in increased strength, stability, range of motion, and reduced muscle and joint pain. <br /> The study was conducted to determine whether shoulder elevations and retractions showed any difference in the interscapular distance in indivudals with scapular dyskinesia.<br /><strong>Objectives:</strong></p> <ol> <li>To assess Interscapular distance post shoulder retraction exercise.</li> <li>To assess Interscapular distance post shoulder shrugging exercise.</li> <li>To assess Interscapular distance post shoulder retraction + shrugging exercise.</li> <li>To compare the effectiveness of these exercises on scapular dyskinesia.</li> </ol> <p><strong>Materials and Methodology:</strong><br /> An intervention based study comprising of 30 female individuals. The subjects were randomly divided into 3 groups, Group A was given combined exercises of shoulder retraction and elevations. Group B was given shoulder retraction and Group C was given shoulder elevations.The samples were assessed pre and post with the help of Interscapular distance.<br /><strong>Results:</strong><br /> Shoulder retractions when given along with shoulder elevations was clinically significant pre and post . Likewise, Shoulder retractions and elevations when given separately were also clinically significant pre and post. The comparison of all the three groups showed that all were equally effective in treating scapular dyskinesia. <br /><strong>Conclusion:</strong><br /> The study concludes that all three forms of exercise showed similar results in reducing the Inter scapular distance in individuals with scapular dyskinesia.</p>