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

Abstract

Introduction: Subacromial pain syndrome (SPS) is a common cause of shoulder pain, and is associated with functional limitation, workdays lost, disability, and poor quality of life.

Purpose: Our purpose was to investigate the effects of scapular stabilization exercises in patients with SPS.

Method: Sixty-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.

Results: The 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).

Conclusions: Scapular 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.

Keywords: Exercise therapy; Physical therapy; Rehabilitation; Shoulder impingement syndrome.