Scapular Movement Training Versus General Exercises for Individuals With Shoulder Pain

Not Applicable

Completed

• Conditions: Shoulder Pain; Musculoskeletal Disease; Shoulder Injury; Joint Disease
• Interventions: Other: General Exercises; Other: Scapular Movement Training

• Registration Number: NCT03528499
• Lead Sponsor: Universidade Federal de Sao Carlos

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.

Study Timeline

• Study First Submitted: 2018-04-23
• Study First Submitted QC: 2018-05-05
• Study First Posted: 2018-05-17
• Study Start: 2018-08-21
• Status Verified: 2020-11
• Primary Completion: 2020-11-01
• Study Completion: 2020-11-01
• Last Update Submitted: 2020-11-05
• Last Update Posted: 2020-11-09

Recruitment & Eligibility

• Status: COMPLETED
• Sex: All
• Target Recruitment: 64

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;

Study & Design

• Study Type: INTERVENTIONAL
• Study Design: PARALLEL

Arm && Interventions

Group	Intervention	Description
General Exercises	General Exercises	Scapulothoracic muscle stretching and strengthening exercises, performed twice a week, for 8 weeks.
Scapular Movement Training	Scapular Movement Training	Orientation and scapular exercises, performed twice a week, for 8 weeks.

Primary Outcome Measures

Name	Time	Method
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 Outcome Measures

Name	Time	Method
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 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 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.
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-up	Pre (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.

Trial Locations

Locations (1)

Universidade Federal de São Carlos; 🇧🇷 São Carlos, São Paulo, Brazil