Comparison of the Effect of Scapular Stabilization and Conscious Control Training on Postural Variables, Pain, and Selected Muscle Strength in Patients with Scapular Dyskinesia

Introduction: Scapular orientation and movements can affect the function of the shoulder. Changes in scapular alignment or movement in shoulder regions have the potential to alter the kinetic chain of the body. Therefore, this study aimed at comparing scapular stabilization and conscious control training on postural variables, pain, and selected muscle strength in patients with scapular dyskinesia.   Materials & Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted on 44 female subjects who suffered from scapula dyskinesia (inferior angle and medial border prominent pattern). The mean age, height, and weight of the subjects were 26±1.94, 165.7±4.12 cm, and 55.1±3.31 kg, respectively. The participants were selected purposefully and randomly assigned into stabilization (n=15), conscious control training (n=15) and control groups (n=14). A handheld dynamometer, visual analogue scale, a goniometer, and a ruler were utilized in order to determine the isometric strength of selected scapular muscles, the amount of pain, the amount of forward head angle, and the length of pectoralis minor index, respectively. The experimental groups were subjected to scapular stabilization and conscious control training three days weekly for six weeks.   Findings: The results showed that the amount of forward head inclination (P1=0.02, P2=0.03) and pain (P1=0.03, P2=0.04) decreased significantly in experimental groups. In addition, the strength of serratus anterior muscles (P1=0.05) and supraspinatus (P1=0.04) increased significantly in conscious control training group. There was also an increase in the strength of lower ‌‌‌trapezius (P1=0.00, P2=0.01) and flexibility of pectoralis minor muscle in both groups (P1=0.00, P2=0.00) as well as middle trapezius in stabilization group (P2=0.05). However, there was no increase in the strength of serratus anterior muscles (P2=0.08), and supraspinatus (P2=0.07) in stabilization group, middle trapezius in conscious control group (P1=0.12), and infraspinatus in both groups (P1=0.14, P2=0.93). Furthermore, no significant differences were observed between the two experimental groups regarding the variables under study. The results of the study showed that six weeks of interventions may result in the reduction of pain, improvement of selected scapular muscle strength and postural variables. It can be said that the stabilization and conscious control trainings improve the direction and movement of the scapula in people with scapular dyskinesia.   Discussion & Conclusions: According to the results, the effect of exercise therapy is confirmed as a safe technique for the improvement of postural disabilities. Therefore, it is suggested that stabilization and conscious control trainings be used with other general shoulder exercise protocols.