SUMMARY
Introduction. Change in the scapular normal kinematics and location is defined as scapular dyskinesis. The key characteristics of the disorder referred as SICK (S for scapular malposition, I for inferior medial border prominence, C for coracoid discomfort and malposition, and K for dyskinesis of scapular motion).
Objective. The objective was to assess the efficacy of proprioceptive neuromuscular facilitation technique in individuals with scapular dyskinesia.
Methods. Randomized control trail with sample size of 102 subjects with scapular dyskinesia, aged 30-50 years, diagnosed by Lateral Scapular Slide Test, was evenly divided into Group A (treated with PNF and conventional therapy) and Group B (received conventional therapy only). Group A underwent scapular mobilization exercises and PNF maneuvers, each with 20 repetitions, while Group B performed scapular mobilization exercises. Treatment time period was 6 weeks (3 sessions/week). Outcome measures included the Numerical Pain Scale (NPRS) and Shoulder Pain and Disability Index (SPADI), assessed via paired t-tests to evaluate within-group changes.
Results. Both PNF along with scapular mobilization and control groups showed significant improvements. PNF along with scapular mobilization resulted in notable pain reduction (NPRS: 7.90 to 5.96) than the control group (8.06 to 7.02). On the SPADI scale, PNF showed substantial improvement (69.80 to 50.20), surpassing the control group (69.80 to 59.41).
Conclusions. PNF along with scapular mobilization demonstrated significant efficacy in reducing both shoulder pain and disability, as measured by SPADI, and in alleviating pain intensity, as measured by NPRS, in individuals with scapular dyskinesia.
KEY WORDS
Alleviation; movement restriction; scapular pain; shoulder dysfunction.