Scapula Retraction Exercises in Subacromial Pain Syndrome

Investigating the Effect of Scapula Retraction Exercises on Acromiohumeral Distance Values and Symptoms (Pain and Disability) in Patients With SPS

Scapula retraction exercises are often recommended as a part of the exercise programs. The primary aim of this study is to investigate the initial effect of the scapula retraction exercises on acromiohumeral distance (AHD) at varying shoulder abduction angles and to compare asymptomatic subjects. The secondary aim of this study is to investigate the effect of scapula retraction exercises on AHD values and symptoms (pain and disability) in patients with SPS.

Subacmial pain syndrome (SPS) is a common cause of shoulder pain and dysfunction in the general population. Exercise interventions is thought as a primary choice in clinical settings. Scapula retraction exercises are commonly recommended as a part of the exercise programs. Applying scapula retraction exercises at varying shoulder abduction angles could restore balance between the scapulothoracic muscles. Since the scapulothoracic muscles dynamically control subacromial space, scapula retraction exercises could further help to maintain AHD during arm elevation. The primary aim of this study is to investigate the initial effect of the scapula retraction exercises on acromiohumeral distance (AHD) at varying shoulder abduction angles and to compare asymptomatic subjects. The secondary aim of this study is to investigate the effect of scapula retraction exercises on AHD values and symptoms (pain and disability) in patients with SPS.

exercise program consists of progressive scapula retraction exercises will be applied three times a week total 24 sessions. Home exercise program will also advised two times a day.

Control group will not perform scapula retraction exercises. AHD values of the control group will be compared to intervention groups both retracted and non-retracted conditions.

Acromiohumeral Distance will be recorded at 0°, 30°, 45°, 60° and 90° of shoulder abduction, and while they are doing scapular retraction with resistive elastic band at each shoulder position. All assessment will be recorded at baseline and at the end of the twelve week rehabilitation sessions

pain severity will be assessed by using 100 millimeters Visual Analogue Scale at rest, at night and during activity. All patients were asked to mark their pain level that corresponds to their pain intensity on the line between "0=no pain" and "100=the worst pain imaginable".

disability status will be assessed by using Shoulder Pain and Disability Index (SPADİ). All assessment will be recorded at baseline and at the end of the twelve week treatment sessions. The questionnaire is scored on a 100-point scale, where 0 represents "no disabilities" and 100 represents "extreme disabilities"

Inclusion Criteria: Inclusion Criteria: aged between 18-45 painful arc of movement during flexion or abduction; positive Neer or Kennedy-Hawkins impingement signs pain on resisted lateral rotation, abduction or empty can test. Exclusion Criteria: previous shoulder surgery; shoulder pain reproduced by neck movement; clinical signs of full-thickness RC tears; or adhesive capsulitis.