Scapular Movement Training Versus General Exercises for Individuals With Shoulder Pain

Universidade Federal de Sao Carlos

Status: Completed

Conditions: Shoulder Pain; Joint Disease; Musculoskeletal Disease; Shoulder Injury

Treatments: Other: General Exercises; Other: Scapular Movement Training

Study type: Interventional

Funder types: Other

Identifiers

NCT03528499

86974318.7.0000.5504

Details and patient eligibility

About

Interventions focused on the scapula have been frequently used to treat shoulder pain. However, most studies do not assess the contribution of scapular movement alteration for the symptoms.

Objectives: To compare the effects of two interventions for shoulder pain: Scapular Movement Training and General Exercises.

Full description

This is a double-blinded randomized controlled trial. Sixty-four subjects with shoulder pain, scapular dyskinesis, and positive scapular assistance test will be randomized in two groups: 1) Scapular Movement Training, and 2) General Exercises. The Scapular Movement Training Group will receive the orientation about proper scapular position and movement, and will be trained to modify the scapular movement pattern. The General Exercises Group will perform scapulothoracic stretching and strengthening exercises.

Both groups will be treated twice a week for eight weeks. The following outcomes will be collected at baseline and follow-up: scapular kinematics, electromyographic muscle activity of the upper, middle and lower trapezius, and serratus anterior, as well as pain intensity, function, and fear avoidance beliefs. Also, pain intensity, function, and fear-avoidance beliefs will be assessed at the fourth week of follow-up after the end of treatment's period.

Enrollment: 64 patients

Sex: All

Ages: 18 to 60 years old

Volunteers: No Healthy Volunteers

Inclusion criteria

• Shoulder pain intensity ≥ 3 points on Numerical Rating Scale;
• Shoulder pain lasting ≥ 3 months;
• Scapular dyskinesis;
• Positive Scapular Assistance Test;
• Arm elevation ≥ 150°;

Exclusion criteria

• Body Mass index > 28Kg/m
• History of humerus, clavicle and scapula fracture and/or surgery;
• History of rotator cuff surgery or tears, shoulder dislocation, and instability;
• Frozen Shoulder;
• Neurological or systemic disease which may alter the muscle strength and sensibility;
• Positive Upper Limb Tension Test and/or Spurling's test
• Pregnancy;
• Physical therapy within 6 months;
• Corticosteroid injection within 3 months
• Transpore tape allergy;

Trial design

Primary purpose: Treatment

Allocation: Randomized

Interventional model: Parallel Assignment

Masking: Double Blind

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64 participants in 2 patient groups

Scapular Movement Training

Experimental group

Description:

Orientation and scapular exercises, performed twice a week, for 8 weeks.

Treatment:

Other: Scapular Movement Training

General Exercises

Active Comparator group

Description:

Scapulothoracic muscle stretching and strengthening exercises, performed twice a week, for 8 weeks.

Treatment:

Other: General Exercises