An 8-week scapular stabilization exercise program in an elite archer with scapular dyskinesis presenting joint noise:...

This case report demonstrates the effects of a scapular stabilization exercise program for managing the clinical symptoms of scapular dyskinesis in an archer presenting joint noise during shoulder movement. A 31-year-old man with a 20-year career in archery who complained of scapular dyskinesis and joint noise during shoulder movement was referred for proper management. The player performed the scapular stabilization exercise program, with an emphasis on strengthening scapular stabilizers and neutralization of scapular position, for 40 min, three times per week for 8 weeks (a total of 24 sessions). Measurements included the extent of scapular deviation, strength of scapular stabilizers, emotional burden related to joint noise, and upper limb disability. These measurements were taken before and after the intervention and during 1-year follow-up. After the 8-week intervention, scapular position improved by a range of 3.75-12.88% and muscle strength improved by a range of 8.69-28.60%. Further, emotional burden and upper limb disability improved by 56.86% and 91.67%, respectively. A 1-year follow-up showed that these improvements had been favorably maintained. These findings indicate that shoulder stabilization exercise may be helpful for alleviating scapular and shoulder problems related to archery performance.