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Scapular Movement Training Versus General Exercises for Individuals With Shoulder Pain

Scapular Movement Training Versus General Exercises for Individuals With Shoulder Pain: Randomized Controlled Trial

Status
Completed
Phases
NA
Study type
Interventional
Source
ClinicalTrials.gov
Registry ID
NCT03528499
Enrollment
64
Registered
2018-05-17
Start date
2018-08-21
Completion date
2020-11-01
Last updated
2020-11-09

For informational purposes only — not medical advice. Sourced from public registries and may not reflect the latest updates. Terms

Conditions

Shoulder Pain, Musculoskeletal Disease, Joint Disease, Shoulder Injury

Keywords

Scapula, Physical Therapy, Movement, Rehabilitation

Brief summary

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.

Detailed 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.

Interventions

OTHERScapular Movement Training

Orientation about the proper scapular position and movement and training to modify the scapular movement pattern.

Strengthening and stretching exercises.

Sponsors

Universidade Federal de Sao Carlos
Lead SponsorOTHER

Study design

Allocation
RANDOMIZED
Intervention model
PARALLEL
Primary purpose
TREATMENT
Masking
DOUBLE (Subject, Outcomes Assessor)

Eligibility

Sex/Gender
ALL
Age
18 Years to 60 Years
Healthy volunteers
No

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;

Design outcomes

Primary

MeasureTime frameDescription
Change in Three-Dimensional Scapular Kinematics from baseline to 8 weeks.Pre (baseline) and post Treatment (8 weeks)3-D Scapular kinematics (upward/downward rotation; internal/external rotation; anterior/posterior tilt) will be measured by an electromagnetic tracking system (in degrees).

Secondary

MeasureTime frameDescription
Change in Pain from baseline to follow-up.Pre (baseline), 4 weeks, post Treatment (8 weeks), and follow-up (4 weeks after treatment )The pain will be measured with 11 point - Numerical Rating Pain Scale with scores ranging from 0 (no pain) to 10 (maximum pain).
Change in Function from baseline to follow-up.Pre (baseline), 4 weeks, post Treatment (8 weeks), and follow-up (4 weeks after treatment )The Function will be measured with Disabilities of the Arm, Shoulder and Hand with scores ranging from 0 to 100 (higher score reflects greater disability).
Change in Muscle activity from baseline to 8 weeks.Pre (baseline) and post Treatment (8 weeks)Surface electromyographic recorded from scapulothoracic muscles (Upper trapezius, Middle Trapezius, Lower Trapezius and Serratus Anterior).
Change in Overall improvement of Symptoms from baseline to follow-up.Pre (baseline), 4 weeks, post Treatment (8 weeks), and follow-up (4 weeks after treatment )The Overall improvement of Symptoms will be measured with the Global Rating of Change Scale with scores ranging from -7 to +7 (A higher score indicates higher recovery from the condition).
Change in Kinesiophobia from baseline to follow-upPre (baseline), 4 weeks, post Treatment (8 weeks), and follow-up (4 weeks after treatment )The Kinesiophobia will be measured with Tampa Scale of Kinesiophobia (TKS) with scores ranging from 17 to 68. Higher scores indicate higher degree of kinesiophobia.
Change in Fear-Avoidance Beliefs from baseline to follow-up.Pre (baseline), 4 weeks, post Treatment (8 weeks), and follow-up (4 weeks after treatment )The Fear-Avoidance Beliefs Questionnaire (FABQ) contains 2 scales: FABQ work scale (with range from 0 to 42) and FABQ physical activity scale (with range from 0 to 24). Higher scores indicate higher levels of fear-avoidance beliefs.

Countries

Brazil

Outcome results

None listed

Source: ClinicalTrials.gov · Data processed: Feb 26, 2026