Scapular Stabilization Exercises Research Articles

Management of Cervicogenic Headache - A Case Study

Purpose: To describe the use of manual therapy and muscle reeducation for an individual with cervicogenic headache. Background: This patient was a 30-year-old woman with complaint of headache. She was functionally limited with posture. She also demonstrated impairments in cervical mobility and muscular performance. Methods and measures: This patient was treated 8 sessions over a 8 week period. Study design: Case study Intervention: Intervention included manual upper cervical spine mobilization techniques, muscle re-education for deep neck flexors muscles and scapular stabilization exercises. Results: Following treatment, the patient demonstrated in an increase in cervical mobility, improved muscular performance, a decrease in headaches, and resolution of functional limitations. Statistical analysis of the data showed significant differences from pre to post intervention from Day 1 to Day 8. There was clinical and statistical significance found in ROM and functional ability. Conclusion: Findings suggest that the mulligans manual therapy with exercises is more effective in reducing headache, improving range of motion of cervical spine and functional ability in patients with Cervicogenic Headache. Keywords: Cervicogenic headache (CGH), mulligans mobilization, snags, manual therapy, sub occipital muscle release.

Efficacy of Targeted Scapular Stabilization Exercise vs Conventional Exercise for Patients with Shoulder Pain: A Randomized Clinical Trial.

To investigate the efficacy of targeted scapular stabilization exercise in shoulder pain. This is an evaluator-blinded, multicenter, randomized controlled trial. The scapular stabilization exercise group (n = 45) received scapular stabilization exercise based on the type of scapular dyskinesis (SD) for 6 weeks; the conventional exercise group (n = 45) received pendulum, wall climbing and stick exercises for 6 weeks. Constant-Murley score (CMS), were numerical rating scale (NRS), range of motion (ROM), type of SD, lateral scapular sliding test (LSST), pectoralis minor index (PMI), scapular index (SI) and satisfaction were assessed at baseline, two, four, six-week treatment and a 6-week follow-up. After a 6-week intervention, the improvement of CMS was greater in the scapular stabilization exercise group than in the conventional exercise group, and improvement continued at the 6-week follow-up (F = 15.39, P < 0.001, Partial η2 = 0.17). The Results were also significant for NRS during activity, LSST, PMI, type of SD and satisfaction in favor of the scapular stabilization exercise group (P < 0.05). Targeted scapular stabilization exercise is an effective intervention program that might be applied to the rehabilitation of shoulder pain.

Effects of Scapular Interventions on Pain and Disability in Subjects with Neck Pain: A Systematic Review and Meta-analysis of Randomized Controlled Trials.

Musculoskeletal neck pain is the fourth common cause of disability worldwide. Scapula dysfunction can subsequently lead to neck pain. Previous literature could not establish the effectiveness of scapular stabilization exercises on neck pain due to the different definitions used for exercise in different studies. There is a need for quality evidence examining the effectiveness of scapular interventions on pain and disability in patients with neck pain. PubMed, EMBASE, Scopus, Cochrane, OVID, and PEDro were searched from 1 April 2011 to 31 March 2022. We included randomized controlled trials that focused on scapular interventions and other active strategies in the management of neck pain. The following outcomes were assessed: pain, disability, and quality of life. PEDro scale was used to assess the risk of bias and the data pooled was analyzed using standardized mean difference. The 5 trials included in the review assessed (116 participants) the effects of scapular interventions in patients with chronic nonspecific neck pain. Risk of bias for one study was low and that for the others was moderate. The meta-analysis showed that there was a significant difference between the combined effect of neck and scapula interventions and only neck interventions group (Standardized mean difference -1.51, 95% CI [-2.79, -0.23], z=2.32, p=0.02). On assessing the effect of scapula interventions on disability, the results revealed that there was no significant (p=0.40) impact. Moderate quality evidence was found for the combined effect of scapular and neck interventions in reducing pain in patients with neck pain. However, it was not effective in improving the disability.

Comparing the Effectiveness of Scapula Stabilization Exercise Versus Scapula Stability Taping on Shoulder Impingement Pain

Background: Shoulder impingement pain is caused by the compression of the rotator cuff and the subacromialbursa. Reduced scapular stability was found to cause shoulder impingement. So, the purpose of the study was toidentify whether scapula stability taping vs. scapular stabilization exercise is more effective in the treatment ofshoulder impingement pain.Purpose: To compare the effectiveness of scapula stabilization exercise versus scapula stability taping on shoulderimpingement pain.Methods: This experimental study has been conducted from November 2022 to April 2023. 58 subjects weredivided into Group A (29 Subjects) and Group B (29 Subjects). Group A was treated with shoulder stabilizationexercises, and Group B was treated with shoulder stability taping. The treatments were given for 4 days per weekand continued for 4 weeks.Result: The results showed that the subject’s pain, shoulder ROM, and disability improved statistically stabilizationexercise Group than stability taping Group.Conclusion: Findings conclude that 4 weeks of scapular stabilization exercises were found to be more effective inincreasing scapular muscle strength in preventing shoulder impingement.

ROTATOR CUFF DISORDERS: A SURVEY OF CURRENT PHYSIOTHERAPY PRACTICE IN TURKIYE

Purpose: One of the most important factors guiding the physiotherapy program for rotator cuff disorders (RCD) is the clinical preferences of the physiotherapist in light of the evidence. However, the management parameters are remarkably variable between physiotherapists. It was aimed to describe the current physiotherapy practice of Turkish physiotherapists for the management of RCD and to explore its parallelism with the research evidence, and with the clinical perspective in European countries. Methods: A cross-sectional online survey based on a clinical scenario that describes a typical patient with symptoms of RCD was conducted during July/August 2020. Descriptive responses of 104 physiotherapists were reported and analyzed by grouping physiotherapists with special interest (SI) who have further clinical experience or specialized training on RCD and no special interest (NSI). Results: The most preferred approaches were mobilization (82), scapular stabilization exercises (82), advice/education (71), and taping (62). The preference rate of cold therapy (χ2=4.303, p=0.038) and isometric exercises (χ2=4.248, p=0.039) were significantly higher for physiotherapists with SI rather than NSI group. Conclusions: The most preferred management strategies of mobilization, exercise, and advice/education have been aligned with the preferences of physiotherapists from European countries and the current research evidence. However, passive modalities were also highly preferred. The management strategies differ between the physiotherapists who have SI and NSI. The high degree of practice variability and passive treatment preference of physiotherapists for the patients with RCD might be due to a lack of following the current literature evidence regularly.

Scapular stabilization exercise training improves treatment effectiveness on shoulder pain, scapular dyskinesis, muscle strength, and function in patients with subacromial pain syndrome: A randomized controlled trial

IntroductionSubacromial pain syndrome (SPS) is a common cause of shoulder pain, and is associated with functional limitation, workdays lost, disability, and poor quality of life. PurposeOur purpose was to investigate the effects of scapular stabilization exercises in patients with SPS. MethodSixty-four patients with SPS who also exhibit observable scapular dyskinesis defined by the scapular dyskinesis test were recruited and randomized to scapular stabilization exercise training group or to control group. All participants received the same rehabilitation protocol including glenohumeral and scapular mobilization, pendulum exercises, shoulder stretching, range of motion exercises, strengthening, and proprioceptive exercises. Patients in the scapular stabilization exercise training group performed additional scapular stabilization exercises. The presence of scapular dyskinesis, shoulder pain severity, motion, muscle strength, scapular upward rotation, and shoulder disability were assessed before and after the four-week rehabilitation program. ResultsThe scapular stabilization exercise training group had better improvement in scapular dyskinesis, pain, muscle strength, and shoulder disability compared to the control group (p < 0.05). However, there was no statistically significant time-group interaction regarding shoulder motion and scapular upward rotation (p > 0.05). ConclusionsScapular stabilization exercises added to the shoulder mobilization, stretching, and strengthening are effective in improving scapular dyskinesis, reducing pain, increasing muscle strength and shoulder function in patients with SPS accompanied by scapular dyskinesis.

The effect of scapular stabilization exercises on pain and function in patients with frozen shoulder

The effect of scapular stabilization exercises on pain and function in patients with frozen shoulder

Comparison of the effects of manual therapy and scapular stabilization exercises on pain, functional status, and quality of life in subacromial impingement syndrome

Aims: This study aimed to determine the effects of manual therapy and scapular stabilization exercises combined with conventional physiotherapy on pain, functional status, and quality of life, and whether they are superior in individuals with subacromial impingement.&#x0D; Methods: 30 patients between the ages of 25-65 who were diagnosed with subacromial impingement syndrome were included in the study. Individuals were randomized 1:1 to "conventional physiotherapy+scapular stabilization" and "conventional physiotherapy+manual therapy" groups. Individuals' age, gender, medication use, and presence of chronic disease were recorded. The presence of pain was measured by the Visual Analogue Scale, shoulder range of motion was measured by a goniometer, quality of life was measured by Short Form-12 Quality of Life Survey, and functional status was evaluated with the Questionnaire Quick Disability of the Arm, Shoulder, and Hand Problems. The conventional physiotherapy program applied to both groups included electrotherapy, passive and active assisted range of motion exercises, and rotator cuff strengthening exercises. Both groups received a total of 12 sessions of physiotherapy, 3 days per week, for 4 weeks.&#x0D; Results: 19 females and 11 males, participated in the study. There were no statistically significant differences between the groups at baseline assessment for pain at rest, activity, and night (p=0,37; 0,39; 0,17, respectively), range of motion of shoulder flexion, abduction, internal rotation, and, external rotation (p=0,5; 0,1; 0,91; 0,9, respectively), Questionnaire Quick Disability of the Arm, Shoulder, and Hand Problems score (p: 0,09) and Short Form-12 Quality of Life Survey scores physical and mental component (p=0,23; 0,98, respectively). After treatment, both groups observed positive improvements in pain at rest, activity, and night (p=0,001), range of motion of shoulder flexion, abduction, internal rotation, and, external rotation (p=0,001), Questionnaire Quick Disability of the Arm, Shoulder, and Hand Problems score (p=0,001) and Short Form-12 Quality of Life Survey scores physical and mental component (Group1; p=0,001; 0,001, Group 2; p=0,001; 0,005, respectively). There was no statistically significant advantage among the treatment methods except for shoulder abduction and internal rotation range of motion parameters (p=0,04; 0,009, respectively).&#x0D; Conclusion: When applied with traditional physiotherapy, both treatment methods provided significant improvements in pain, functional condition, quality of life, and joint motion clarity compared to before treatment. However, the methods applied are not superior to each other. It is important to choose the appropriate technique for the patient in the treatment of subacromial impingement syndrome, and it is useful to prepare personalized, combined programs. It is envisaged that researching more effective exercise methods for patients with subacromial impingement syndrome in the future will increase the usefulness of the treatment.

Effect of Scapular Stabilization Exercises with and without Thoracic Mobilization on Neck Pain and Range of Motion in Upper Cross Syndrome

Background: Neck pain is a common musculoskeletal disorder occurring in Upper Cross Syndrome which involves pain and discomfort around the neck region, which causes limitation in activities of daily living and impact the health of an individual and can also be a risk factor for reduced general productivity. Few studies have shown higher evidence in younger adults as a result of sustained exposure to abnormal posture, which increases the risk of musculoskeletal disorders. This intervention aims on the restoration of the muscle imbalance and to reduce pain and increase range of motion. Objective: To study the effect of Scapular Stabilization Exercises with and without Thoracic Mobilization on neck pain and range of motion in Upper Cross Syndrome in young adults. Method: This is a comparative study where 70 subjects were selected as per inclusion and exclusion criteria and assigned to group A (n=35; Exercise group) and group B (n=35; Exercise with Mobilization group) respectively. Scapular stabilization exercises were given to both the groups. The intervention was given for 4 days/week for 4 weeks. Pain and Range of Motion was assessed pre and post intervention using VAS and Goniometer. The data was collected and statistically analysed. Results: Both groups showed (p&lt;0.001) differences in all outcome measures between pre-test and post-test values of Group A and Group B. Results of this study indicated that after 4 weeks of upper thoracic mobilization in addition to scapular stabilization exercises, the Cervical ROM significantly increased in comparison to the scapular stabilization exercise group which in terms of flexion, extension, left and right lateral flexion, and left and right rotation. Conclusion: The study concludes that Thoracic Mobilization along with Scapular Stabilization exercises had a significant effect in reducing pain, increasing flexion, extension, lateral flexion, and rotation range of motion as compared to Scapular stabilization exercises only. Keywords: upper cross syndrome, neck pain, young adults, scapular stabilization exercises, thoracic mobilization, range of motion

Effects of Progressive Scapular Stabilization Exercise on Neck, Muscle Strength, Upper Extremity Function in Patients with Acute Whiplash Injury

Effects of Progressive Scapular Stabilization Exercise on Neck, Muscle Strength, Upper Extremity Function in Patients with Acute Whiplash Injury

The Effects of Scapular Stabilization Exercise Program on the Neck Disability Index, Range of Motion and Myofunction for Patients with Cervical Herniation of Intervertebral Disc

The Effects of Scapular Stabilization Exercise Program on the Neck Disability Index, Range of Motion and Myofunction for Patients with Cervical Herniation of Intervertebral Disc

Effects of the combination of traditional Thai massage, scapular stabilization exercise, and chest mobilization in subjects with forward head posture: a single-blinded randomized clinical trial

BackgroundForward head posture (FHP) is a common condition where the head appears to be positioned in front of the vertical midline of the body. FHP is associated with shortening of the neck extensors and pectoral muscles, and the deep neck flexors and shoulder retractors are weakened. FHP is also found to cause decreases in respiratory function. Few clinical trials have investigated the effects of combination treatments to alleviate these problems. The aim of this study was to examine the effects of combination of traditional Thai massage, scapular stabilization exercise, and chest mobilization on forward head angle (FHA), forced vital capacity (FVC), and cervical flexion in subjects with FHP.MethodsForty-eight subjects with FHP were randomly allocated to a treatment group receiving a Combination of Traditional Thai massage, Scapular stabilization exercise, and Chest mobilization (CTSC group) (n = 24) and a control group (relaxed by lying supine) (n = 24). FHA, FVC, and cervical flexion were measured before and after the four-week intervention (Week 4) and one month after the intervention period (Week 8).ResultsThe CTSC group showed statistically significantly greater improvement in FHA and cervical flexion than the control group at Week 4 (FHA, mean difference − 6.05; 95% CI − 8.03, − 4.07; cervical flexion, mean difference 6.84; 95% CI 3.14, 10.55) and Week 8 (FHA, mean difference − 4.64; 95% CI ( − 6.71, − 2.58); cervical flexion, mean difference 5.21; 95% CI 0.84, 9.58). There were no significant between-group differences in FVC at week 4 (mean difference 0.09; 95% CI − 0.06, 0.23) and week 8 (mean difference 0.04; 95% CI − 0.11, 0.19).ConclusionThis study showed that CTSC had a positive effect on FHA and cervical flexion in subjects with FHP.Trial registration: Thai Clinical Trials Registry (TCTR) (Identification number: TCTR20211119001), registered 19 November 2021; https://www.thaiclinicaltrials.org/show/TCTR20211119001.

Poster 180: A prospective randomized comparative study between isolated eccentric versus conventional exercise therapy in athletes with rotator cuff tendinopathy

Objectives: To compare the effectiveness of an isolated Eccentric exercise program versus Conventional exercise program in athletes with rotator cuff tendinopathy. Methods: The study included 80 athletes with rotator cuff (RC) tendinopathy (diagnosed on Magnetic resonance imaging) presenting to author’s tertiary level institute. Patients were randomized into two groups of 40 each. The eccentric exercise group (n = 40, mean age = 26.4years ) received an isolated eccentric training combined with stretching, while the conventional exercise group received scapular stabilization exercises, concentric RC strengthening exercises and stretching. (n = 40, mean age = 25.2years). Patients in both groups fulfilled 12 week daily home based exercise program and received treatments twice a week for 3 months. Primary outcome measures were shoulder pain (a 0–100mm Visual Analog Scale; VAS) and function measured with the Constant Murley score and Disabilities of the Arm, Shoulder and Hand (DASH) score. Secondary outcome measures were isometric abduction strength in 45° in the scapular plane (Hand held dynamometer) and shoulder range of motion (forward elevation, abduction and external rotation). All measurements were taken at baseline, at 12, and 24weeks. There was no statistically significant difference in pre-intervention scores between two groups. The study was approved by Institutional Review Board. Results: After 24 weeks, both groups showed a significant decrease in VAS scores and DASH score and a significant increase in the Constant Murley score. No statistically significant differences were found between the groups for any of the evaluated outcome measures. In the EE group, there was a slight deterioration in both CM and VAS scores between 12 and 24 weeks, but this did not reach statistical significance. Both groups also had a significant increase in isometric muscle strength between baseline and 24 weeks. Conclusions: A 12 week isolated eccentric training program of the rotator cuff is as effective (but not superior to) as conventional exercise program for the rotator cuff tendinopathy in athletes.

Combined effect of graded Thera-Band and scapular stabilization exercises on shoulder adhesive capsulitis post-mastectomy

PurposeThe main aim of the trial was to assess the combined impact of graded Thera-Band strengthening exercises and scapular stabilization exercises on shoulder pain, physical function, and quality of life (QoL) in post-mastectomy adhesive capsulitis (AC).MethodsSeventy females with unilateral post-mastectomy AC partook in the trial. Participants were subdivided equally into two groups at random. Both groups obtained the traditional physical therapy program; in addition, the intervention group received graded Thera-Band exercises for shoulder muscles and scapular stabilization exercises 5 days a week for 8 weeks. Range of motion (ROM) and muscle power of shoulder were assessed by digital goniometer and handheld dynamometer, respectively. Disability of the Arm, Shoulder, and Hand questionnaire (DASH) was utilized for assessment of shoulder function and visual analogue scale (VAS) for pain measurement while short-form (SF-36) for QoL assessment. All evaluation data was recorded prior to the trial and at the eighth week of interventions for both groups.ResultsAll participants achieved improvements in shoulder ROM, muscle power, pain, and all aspects of QoL; however, higher statistical improvements were reported in all measurements with respect to strengthening exercises group (p < 0.001).ConclusionThe addition of graded Thera-Band strengthening exercises and scapular stabilization exercises in post-mastectomy AC rehabilitation program has significant benefits in shoulder function and patients’ QoL.Trial registration: This study is retrospectively registered at ClinicalTrials.gov NCT05311839.

The Effects of Scapular Stabilization Exercises Accompanied by Spine Stabilization Exercises Using An Unstable Surface on Muscle Activities for Subjects with Scapular Winging

This study was intended to inspect the influence of scapular stabilization exercises accompanied by spine stabilization exercises using an unstable surface on muscle activity in subjects with scapular winging. Thirty subjects with scapular winging participated in the experiment. The subjects were randomly divided into two groups. One group performed scapular stabilization exercises accompanied by spine stabilization exercises on an unstable surface, whereas the other group performed only scapular stabilization exercises. In order to study the influence of the intervention, the muscle activity around the shoulder was measured. According to the experimental results, the activation of the lower trapezius muscle and serratus anterior muscle increased significantly in both groups after intervention. The muscle activities of the lower trapezius and serratus anterior in the control group were not as high as those in the experimental group. Moreover, the muscle activities of upper trapezius and pectoralis major decreased significantly in both groups after the exercise interventions, but no significant difference was observed between the two groups. As a result, the scapular stabilization exercises that are widely used in clinical practice were shown to increase lower trapezius and serratus anterior activities. Moreover, a combination of such exercises with spine stabilization exercises on an unstable surface was shown to confer greater benefits than scapular stabilization exercises alone and is thus recommended.

Effectiveness of upper limb and scapular stabilization exercises in college students suffering from recurrent trapezitis

Effectiveness of upper limb and scapular stabilization exercises in college students suffering from recurrent trapezitis

Effects of Cervical Stabilization and Scapular Stabilization Exercise on the Proprioception and Craniovertebral Angle and Upper Trapezius Muscle Tone of People with Forward Head Posture

Seung-Hwan LeeㆍByoung-Ha YooㆍHyun-Seo PyoㆍDongyeop Lee, PT, PhDㆍJi-Heon Hong, PT, PhDㆍ Jae-Ho Yu, PT, PhDㆍJin-Seop Kim, PT, PhDㆍSeong-Gil Kim, PT, PhD. KSPM 2022;17:1-13. https://doi.org/10.13066/kspm.2022.17.4.1

Effect of Manual Pressure Release and Scapular Stabilization Exercises on Myofascial Pain Syndrome Following Neck Dissection Surgery

Effect of Manual Pressure Release and Scapular Stabilization Exercises on Myofascial Pain Syndrome Following Neck Dissection Surgery

Cervical Stabilization Exercises Versus Scapular Stabilization Exercises in Treatment of Chronic Mechanical Neck Pain

Cervical Stabilization Exercises Versus Scapular Stabilization Exercises in Treatment of Chronic Mechanical Neck Pain

Subacromial Impingement Syndrome: A Systematic Review of Existing Treatment Modalities to Newer Proprioceptive-Based Strategies.

Musculoskeletal pain is a common reason for primary care visits, with many visits for shoulder pain due to subacromial impingement syndrome (SIS). Current treatments lack evidence for effective management, showing only temporary outcomes. This systematic review evaluates existing modalities in comparison to the use of more permanent proprioceptive-based strategies. Specifically, this meta-analysis compared the use of kinesiology tape, myofascial trigger point release (MPTR), scapular stabilization exercises (SSE), and resistance training. PubMed, BioMedCentral, and ScienceDirect databases were queried for studies evaluating proprioceptive-based exercises in the last nine years. In total, 48 studies met the inclusion and exclusion criteria. After removing duplicates, a total of 14 level 1 studies were left. Kinesiology tape use demonstrated a statistically significant reduction in pain-free range of motion. MPTR improved in all pain scores and the disability scores index. SSE also reduced pain; however, mixed results were seen for range of motion. Finally, resistance training not only reduced pain but improved proprioception and joint position sense. Even though all techniques showed some promise in treating SIS, further large-scale studies exploring related outcomes are needed.