Nihan Özünlü Pekyavaş1, Zuhal Kunduracılar2, Aybüke Uzun1, Cengiz Ergüneş1, Eda Tonga1, Metin Karataş1

1Baskent University, Faculty Of Health Sciences, Department Of Physiotherapy And Rehabilitation, Ankara, Turkey
2Zonguldak Karaelmas University, School Of Health, Department Of Physiotherapy And Rehabilitation, Zonguldak, Turkey

Keywords: scapular dyskinesia, pain, flexibility, neck, shoulder, range of motion

Abstract

PURPOSE: To investigate the relationship between scapular dyskinesia, pain and flexibility in patients with neck, shoulder and both pain problems.
MATERIAL AND METHOD: 160 patients with pathology and pain at neck and shoulder regions who came to Baskent University Hospital, Department of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation were included to our study. Patients were divided into three groups; Neck group, shoulder group and neck+shoulder group. Visual Analog Scale (VAS) for pain intensity, goniometer for range of motion and tape measurement for evaluation of flexibility was used. Lateral Scapular Slide Test (LSST), Scapular Retraction Test (SRT) ve Skapular Assisstance Test (SAT) was used for evaluation of scapular dyskinesia.
RESULTS: SRT (r=0,617, p=0,000) and SAT (r=0,565, p=0,000) pozitivity was found correlated between dominant and nondominant sides in patients with neck pathology. Pain at night and during rest are found correlated with pain during activity in patients with neck+shoulder pathology (r=0,572, p=0,002). No significant correlation was found between pain intensity and scapular dyskinesia in all groups. LSST values were found under 1,5cm and therefore scapular mobilization was considered as normal (LSST1: X±Sd=0,76±0,74; LSST2: X±Sd=0,68±0,81; LSST3: X±Sd=0,75±0,75).
DISCUSSION: As well as joint limitations and flexibility, scapular dyskinesia should also be evaluated in order to solve problems related to pain in patients with neck, shoulder and neck+shoulder pathology. In future studies, the classification of groups according to pathology can lead an important way to understand the impact of scapular dyskinesia present on pathology.