Effects of Myofascial Chain Tension Modulation Combined With Scapular Corrective Exercise on Scapular Movement Performance and Functional Outcomes in Tennis Players With Subacromial Impingement Syndrome

China Medical University

Status

Not yet enrolling

Conditions

Subacromial Impingement Syndrome

Treatments

Device: Instrument-Assisted Soft Tissue Mobilization

Device: Elastic band

Study type

Interventional

Funder types

Other

Identifiers

NCT07385378

CMUH114-REC3-210

Details and patient eligibility

About

Subacromial Impingement Syndrome (SIS) is characterized by abnormal scapular motion, including decreased upward rotation, increased internal rotation, and excessive anterior tilting, which impair shoulder and arm function. Integrated scapular rehabilitation combines Instrument-Assisted Soft Tissue Mobilization (IASTM) and postural correction exercises. IASTM detects soft tissue restrictions through multidirectional strokes and enhances the pain threshold of myofascial trigger points (MTrPs) via reflex hyperemia. Postural correction exercises aim to strengthen weakened muscles and stretch tight ones to improve stability and posture. The combination of these interventions may enhance scapular stability and dynamic control. This study aimed to investigate the effects of integrated scapular rehabilitation on scapular kinematics, movement correction, functional improvement, and pain management in tennis athletes with SIS. A two-way repeated-measures ANOVA was used to analyze pre- and post-intervention effects.

Full description

Participants aged 20 years or older were recruited. Outcome measures included pain intensity, Shoulder Pain and Disability Index (SPADI), shoulder range of motion (flexion, abduction, internal and external rotation), modified Scapular Assistance Test (mSAT), muscle strength (upper, middle, and lower trapezius; serratus anterior; rhomboids; levator scapulae; internal and external rotators), soft tissue elasticity (upper trapezius), myofascial trigger point pain threshold (upper trapezius, pectoralis minor, levator scapulae, rhomboids), subacromial space, and supraspinatus thickness.

Enrollment

36 estimated patients

Sex

All

Ages

20 to 35 years old

Volunteers

Accepts Healthy Volunteers

Inclusion criteria

Participants were included if they met all of the following conditions:
1. a VAS score greater than 3 during the Hawkins test (indicating mild to moderate pain),
2. at least two positive results among the Hawkins test, Neer test, and painful arch test, and
3. a positive result on the mSAT. Only participants who fulfilled all three criteria were enrolled in the study.

Exclusion criteria

Participants were excluded if they had a history of clavicle, scapular, or humeral fractures; shoulder dislocation; or rotator cuff surgery; positive results on the cervical compression test, apprehension test, or drop arm test; had received corticosteroid injections within the past three months; had undergone physical therapy within the past six months; or reported a VAS score higher than 9.

Trial design

Primary purpose

Treatment

Allocation

Randomized

Interventional model

Parallel Assignment

Masking

Single Blind

36 participants in 2 patient groups

Integrated scapular rehabilitation training (Instrument-Assisted Soft Tissue Mobilization+ Exercise)

Experimental group

Description:

The integrated scapular rehabilitation training group received a specially designed scapular core rehabilitation program, which included the use of IASTM to inhibit overactive and tight muscles, targeted stretching exercises, strengthening training for elongated or weakened muscles, and finally, movement integration through multi-joint exercises.

Treatment:

Device: Elastic band

Device: Instrument-Assisted Soft Tissue Mobilization

Conventional rehabilitation (Stretch+ Exercise)

Active Comparator group

Description:

The conventional rehabilitation training group received only traditional rehabilitation exercises, including stretching and strengthening training.

Treatment:

Device: Elastic band