Evaluation of a New Exercise Program in the Treatment of Scapular Dyskinesis.
Study Goal
The researchers aimed to compare the effectiveness of a scapula-focused exercise program versus massage therapy in treating scapular dyskinesis (SD).
Results Summary
Massage therapy significantly reduced pain levels (VAS) in patients with SD, but it did not improve functional outcomes (QuickDASH, SICK scapula rating scale, hand press-up position test) as effectively as the exercise program.
Population
Patients with scapular dyskinesis (28 participants: 15 in the exercise group, 13 in the massage group).
Effective Dosage
Not specified
Duration
6 weeks
Interactions
None mentioned
| Intervention | Direction | Endpoint | Population | Dosage | Impact | Claim # |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
specific exercise program | decrease | pain levels on the visual analog scale (VAS) | patients with scapular dyskinesis (SD) | p=0.007 | significantly reduced | #1 |
massage therapy | decrease | pain levels on the visual analog scale (VAS) | patients with scapular dyskinesis (SD) | p=0.004 | significantly reduced | #2 |
specific exercise program | increase | scores for QuickDASH | patients with scapular dyskinesis (SD) | p=0.001 | significantly improved | #3 |
specific exercise program | increase | scores for SICK scapula rating scale | patients with scapular dyskinesis (SD) | p=0.003 | significantly improved | #4 |
specific exercise program | increase | scores for hand press-up position test | patients with scapular dyskinesis (SD) | p=0.026 | significantly improved | #5 |
scapula-focused exercise programs | decrease | pain | patients with SD | - | can effectively relieve | #6 |
massage therapy | decrease | pain | patients with SD | - | can effectively relieve | #7 |
scapula-focused exercises | increase | shoulder function | patients with SD | - | resulted in greater improvement of | #8 |
An abnormal motion of the scapula, or scapular dyskinesis (SD), can be effectively treated through conservative therapy. The aim of this study is to evaluate a new specific exercise program to restore normal position. A standardized and specific exercise program was created. In a prospective multi-center approach, patients were randomized into two groups: one group received the specific exercise program over a period of six weeks and the controls received massage therapy. The visual-analog scale, QuickDASH score, SICK scapula rating scale, hand press-up position test, lateral scapular slide test and internal rotation of the shoulder were evaluated. Twenty-eight patients were included in the study: fifteen in the exercise group and thirteen in the control group. Pain levels on the visual analog scale (VAS) were significantly reduced in both groups (exercise p=0.007; control p=0.004). The scores for QuickDASH (p=0.001), SICK scapula rating scale (p=0.003) and hand press-up position test (p=0.026) were significantly improved in the exercise group only. Scapula-focused exercise programs, as well as massage therapy, can effectively relieve pain in patients with SD. However, scapula-focused exercises resulted, specifically, in greater improvement of shoulder function.