The relationship between scapular dyskinesia, pain, range of motion, and flexibility in patients with neck and shoulder problems

Abstract

To investigate the relationship between scapular dyskinesia, pain, and flexibility in patients with neck, shoulder, or both injuries. A total of 160 patients who came to Baskent University Hospital, Department of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation with pathology and pain in the neck and shoulder regions were included to our study. Patients were divided into three groups; Neck group, shoulder group and neck+shoulder group. Visual Analog Scale (VAS) for pain intensity, goniometer for range of motion, and tape measurement for evaluation of flexibility was used. Lateral Scapular Slide Test (LSST) and Scapular Retraction Test (SRT) vs Skapular Assisstance Test (SAT) were used for evaluation of scapular dyskinesia. SRT (r=0.617, p=0.000) and SAT (r=0.565, p=0.000) positivity was found to be correlated with dominant and non-dominant sides in patients with neck pathology. Pain at night and during rest were found to correlate with pain during activity in patients with neck+shoulder pathology (r=0.572, p=0.002). No significant correlation was found between pain intensity and scapular dyskinesia in all groups. LSST values were found under 1.5 cm and therefore, scapular mobilization was considered as normal (LSST1=0.76±0.74; LSST2=0.68±0.81; LSST3=0.75±0.75). In addition to joint limitations and flexibility, scapular dyskinesia should also be evaluated in order to solve problems related to pain in patients with neck, shoulder and neck+shoulder pathology. In future studies, the classification of groups according to pathology may help to understand the impact of scapular dyskinesia on the pathology of shoulder and neck pain.