Effects of 6-Week Self-Scapular Upward Rotation Exercise on Downward Pulling Tension in Subjects With Scapular Downward Rotation Syndrome

Abstract

1)The purpose of this study was to investigate the quantitative data of downward pulling tension in subjects with scapular downward rotation syndrome (SDRS) before and after 6-week self scapular upward rotation exercise (SURE) program. Eleven subjects with bilateral SDRS. The downward pulling tension(DPT) was measured digital tension-meter. The tension force data were collected using a surface electromyography before and after a 6-week self-scapular SURE program. The significance of difference between pre-and post-program was assessed using a paired t-test, with the level of significance set at α=.05. The results showed that significant differences between pre-and post-SURE program were found for DPT (p<.05). These findings suggest that 6-week self SURE program is effective for reducing DPT in subjects with SDRS. Additionally, our DPT measurement can be useful for maintaining shoulder position and providing quantitative data between pre-and post-SURE program during passive correction of scapular position test.

Scapular exercise combined with cognitive functional therapy is more effective at reducing chronic neck pain and kinesiophobia than scapular exercise alone: a randomized controlled trial

“…12 The interventions may have induced changed the relative muscle flexibility of the shortened scapular downward rotator muscles and, leading to the decreased downward pulling tension and consequently reduced the load on the pain-sensitive structures of the cervical facet joints. 28 There are some potential limitations in this study. First, a longitudinal study of the long-term effects with follow-up on pain intensity and kinesiophobia is necessary.…”

Focus on the Scapular Region in the Rehabilitation of Chronic Neck Pain Is Effective in Improving the Symptoms: A Randomized Controlled Trial

“…The sustained compressive force of posterior neck spine can induce pain by a downward pull on the neck spine or facets via the levator scapula and upper trapezius muscles. The exercise training may have altered the tension-length relationship of the tightened scapular downward rotator muscles, causing the reduction in downward pulling tension, and consequently decreasing the force on the neck facet joints [41]. The main action of the levator scapulae muscle is to elevate and downwardly rotate the scapulae.…”