The Effects of Scapulothoracic Mobilization in Patients with Neck Pain and Scapular Dyskinesis: A Single-Blind, Randomized, Clinical Trial

Abstract Background: No studies are available on the effects of scapulothoracic mobilization with neck movement (MWM) on patients with neck pain and scapular dyskinesis. Objective: To investigate the effects of scapulothoracic MWM on neck pain, range of motion (ROM), and function in patients with neck pain who demonstrated scapular dyskinesis.Methods: This was a single-blind, randomized, clinical trial. Forty participants with neck pain and scapular dyskinesis were randomly assigned to one of two 2-week regimens: experimental (scapulothoracic MWM + corrective exercises + tape) or comparison (corrective exercises + tape). The visual analog scale (VAS), pressure pain threshold (PPT), cervical and scapular ROM, and Neck Disability Index (NDI) were measured at baseline, after the third session, and after the sixth session.Results: Pain decreased after the sixth session in both the experimental [mean difference: 3.1; 95% confidence interval (CI): 2.1-4.1] and comparison groups (1.8; 95%CI: 0.81-2.8). PPT and scapular ROM did not change in either group at any session. After the sixth session, the ROM of neck extension, right rotation, and right and left side bending improved significantly (p£ 0.031) in both groups, but did not reach the minimal detectable change. The NDI improved in both the experimental (7.2-10.6; 95%CI: 2.5-15.7) and comparison groups (5.9-10.3; 95%CI: 1.2-15.4). There were no significant differences between the groups in any outcome measure at any session. Conclusions: Adding scapulothoracic MWM to corrective exercises and tape over a 2-week period did not seem to add benefit for pain and function in patients with neck pain with scapular dyskinesis.Trial registration: ClinicalTrials.gov, NCT03046160. Registered 8 February 2017 - Retrospectively registered, https://clinicaltrials.gov/ct2/show/NCT0304616