Immediate effects of scapular stabilizing exercise in chronic stroke patient with winging and elevated scapula: a case study

[Purpose] The purpose of this study was to investigate the effect of scapular stabilizing exercise in a stroke patient with winging and elevated scapula. [Subject and Methods] The subject was a 46-year-old female with a history of stroke. She had right side hemiplegia with winging and elevated scapula on the right side, and had compensatory motions of the neck and shoulder when using the paretic upper extremity. The subject participated in scapular stabilizing exercises for four days. This exercise program consisted of scapular protraction-retraction in an upright seated position. Scapular position was measured as distance between scapular medial border and thoracic vertebrae 3, 4. Upper extremity function was measured as time required for lifting and lowering a cup with the affected arm. [Results] After intervention, distance between scapular medial border and spinouse process of T3, 4 decreased. Time required for lifting and lowering a cup with the affected arm decreased. Compensatory motions of the neck and shoulder joint decreased. [Conclusion] Despite the short period, scapular stabilizing exercises had a positive effect on scapular position and upper extremity function.