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Efficacy of Targeted Scapular Stabilization Exercise Versus Conventional Exercise for Patients With Shoulder Pain: A
Lan Tang1, Kang Chen, Lihua Huang
1From the Department of Rehabilitation Medicine, Shanghai Sixth People's Hospital Affiliated to Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China (LT, KC, LH, JL, YM); Department of Rehabilitation Medicine, Shanghai Sixth People's Hospital East Campus, Shanghai, China (MW); Department of Rehabilitation Medicine, Shanghai Xuhui Dahua Hospital, Shanghai, China (LH); Department of Rehabilitation Medicine, Shanghai Fengxian Central Hospital, Shanghai, China (L Liu); and Department of Rehabilitation Medicine, Shanghai 8th People's Hospital, Shanghai, China (L Li).
Objective:
The aim of the study is to investigate the efficacy of targeted scapular stabilization exercise in shoulder pain.
Design:
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 for 6 wks; the conventional exercise group ( n = 45) received pendulum, wall climbing and stick exercises for 6 wks. Constant-Murley score, numerical rating scale, range of motion, type of scapular dyskinesis, lateral scapular sliding test, pectoralis minor index, scapular index, and satisfaction were assessed at baseline, 2-, 4-, and 6-wk treatment as well as a 6-wk follow-up.
Results:
After a 6-wk intervention, the improvement of Constant-Murley score was greater in the scapular stabilization exercise group than in the conventional exercise group, and improvement continued at the 6-wk follow-up ( F = 15.39, P < 0.001, partial η 2 = 0.17). The results were also significant for numerical rating scale during activity, lateral scapular sliding test, pectoralis minor index, type of scapular dyskinesis, and satisfaction in favor of the scapular stabilization exercise group ( P < 0.05).
Conclusions:
Targeted scapular stabilization exercise is an effective intervention program that might be applied to the rehabilitation of shoulder pain.
