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Effects of Scapular Stabilization Exercises Combined with Global Postural Re-Education on Pain and Functional Outcomes in Overhead Athletes with Scapular Dyskinesis and Chronic Nonspecific Pain: A Pre-Experimental Study
Corresponding Author(s) : P. Bright Alwin Victor
International Journal of Allied Medical Sciences and Clinical Research,
Vol. 14 No. 4 (2026): 2026 Volume 14-Issue 4
Abstract
Background: Scapular dyskinesis is frequently observed in overhead athletes and may be associated with altered scapular mechanics, impaired muscle coordination, and musculoskeletal symptoms. Scapular stabilization exercises are directed toward improving scapular muscle control, whereas global postural re-education addresses postural alignment, muscle length, and muscular balance. The effects of combining these approaches in overhead athletes with scapular dyskinesis and chronic nonspecific neck pain require further investigation.
Objective:To evaluate changes in pain intensity, neck-related disability, and upper-limb functional disability following a program of scapular stabilization exercises combined with global postural re-education in overhead athletes with scapular dyskinesis and chronic nonspecific neck pain.
Methods:The study was approved by the institute ethics committee, IEC- RIPT/DT/21/4512. A pre-experimental, single-group pre-test–post-test study was conducted among 30 overhead athletes aged 18–23 years with scapular dyskinesis and chronic nonspecific neck pain. Scapular dyskinesis was assessed clinically using the Scapular Dyskinesis Test and Lateral Scapular Slide Test. Pain and functional outcomes were assessed using the Visual Analogue Scale (VAS), Neck Disability Index (NDI), and Disabilities of the Arm, Shoulder and Hand (DASH) questionnaire. The scapular stabilization program consisted of approximately 40-minute sessions performed three times weekly for four weeks. Global postural re-education was delivered in approximately 60-minute sessions once weekly for six weeks. Pre-test and post-test scores were compared using paired-samples t-tests, with statistical significance set at p < 0.05.
Results: VAS scores decreased from 4.77 ± 0.77 at pre-test to 2.70 ± 0.47 at post-test (t(29) = 19.40, p < 0.001). NDI scores decreased from 19.27 ± 2.60 to 16.97 ± 2.36 (t(29) = 13.22, p < 0.001). DASH scores decreased from 50.27 ± 4.65 to 45.98 ± 4.51 (t(29) = 7.20, p < 0.001).
Conclusion: The combined rehabilitation program was associated with statistically significant reductions in pain intensity, neck-related disability, and upper-limb functional disability. Because the study used a single-group pre-test–post-test design without a control group, the observed changes cannot be attributed exclusively to the intervention. Controlled randomized studies with larger and more diverse samples are required to determine the comparative effectiveness of these interventions.