Role of Scapular Dyskinesis in Shoulder Instability Among Volleyball Players: A Literature Review

Abstract

Shoulder instability is a common concern among volleyball players due to the repetitive overhead movements involved in the sport. Scapular dyskinesis, characterized by abnormal scapular motion or positioning, has been proposed as a contributing factor to shoulder instability. Hence, the purpose of this systematic review is to determine the role of scapular dyskinesis in the development of shoulder instability among volleyball players. The database search for this systematic review included Google Scholar, PubMed, PEDro, Research Gate, and Cochrane Library. A total of 112 articles were identified using the selected keywords. The studies were screened and filtered according to the inclusion and exclusion criteria, and 9 articles were selected for the final review. The review included clinical and observational studies conducted on volleyball players of various levels (professional, collegiate, and recreational) that assessed scapular dyskinesia through visual or kinematic evaluation methods and reported outcomes related to shoulder instability. Studies that did not include volleyball players, lacked instability outcomes, or were published in languages other than English were excluded. The analysis of the selected studies indicated that scapular dyskinesia is significantly associated with an increased risk of shoulder instability in volleyball players. Altered scapular kinematics, such as reduced upward rotation and posterior tilt, were consistently observed in athletes with instability. The findings suggest that early identification and correction of scapular dyskinesia through targeted rehabilitation and strengthening programs may play a crucial role in preventing shoulder instability and enhancing performance among volleyball players.