Effectiveness of Scapular Clock Exercises in Scapular Dyskinesia; A Randomized Clinical Trial

Scapular dyskinesia is the malalignment of the scapula. It occurs when the pectoralis muscle (pectoralis minor) becomes tight and there is the weakness of the trapezius muscle (lower fibers). It can commonly occur after open-heart surgery due to incision and prolonged bed rest. In this research, the effectiveness of scapular clock exercises was checked. These exercises can strengthen the weak trapezius muscle and also stretch the tight pectoralis minor muscle. By adding these exercises in cardiac rehabilitation the occurrence of scapular dyskinesia can be reduced. Post-op open heart surgery patients mostly present with complain of shoulder pain. Most of their treatment is directed towards shoulder joint while the scapula is usually ignored. So it is important to add exercises directed towards the scapula along with shoulder.

In this study, The investigators will recruit 30 post-op cardiac surgery patients with complain of shoulder pain, with positive scapular dyskinesia. The sample size was calculated using formula and the values were taken from previous researches. Scapular assistance test and Scapular retraction test was used to find out patients with scapular dyskinesia. The subjects will then be randomly divided into two groups using online randomization generator. The interventional group was receive stretching and strengthening exercises with additional scapular clock exercises and the active control group will receive stretching and strengthening exercises. There was 3 sessions per week, for a period of 4 weeks. The patients was assessed prior to the treatment , then after 2 weeks and later after completion of 4 weeks. The tools for assessment include NPRS for pain, Quick-DASH for activity limitation of shoulder and goniometer for measuring range of motion of shoulder.