Immediate effect of proprioceptive neuromuscular facilitation on scapular dyskinesia of volleyball players

Abstract

Background: Scapular dyskinesia can be caused by several factors, such as poor posture (thoracic kyphosis or cervical hyperlordosis) or changes in the activation and coordination of the scapular stabilizing muscles. Therefore, the term is correctly used when there is a change in the scapular biomechanics at rest or during movement. Objective: The objective of this study was to evaluate the effects of PNF on scapular dyskinesia of volleyball players. Methods: This is a quasi-experimental study with volleyball players. The study sample consisted of 32 individuals of both sexes, with ages between 14 and 17 years who presented scapular dyskinesia, identified by anamnesis and physical examination. To collect data, a sociodemographic evaluation developed by the researchers was used, containing personal data, pain evaluation through the Nordic Pain Questionnaire, and an image and video record was made for the analysis of photogrammetry and the Scapular Dyskinesia Test. For the data analysis a significance level of 5% was adopted. Results: Most of the sample (71.9%) practiced volleyball for more than a year, 65.6% trained three times a week, 84.4% were attackers, 96.9% were right-handed and 100% of the sample presented pain symptoms in the last twelve months. There was a significant difference in the abduction test of both scapulae and in the weight discharge of the right upper limb after the protocol. Conclusion: PNF has been shown to be effective in the initial phase of the treatment of scapular dyskinesia acting on neuromuscular balance and scapular orientation.

Proprioceptive Neuromuscular Facilitation Training Improves Scapular Muscle Strength and Pectoralis Minor Length in Individuals with Scapular Dyskinesis

“…We believe that these PNF patterns would optimize the strength imbalance between UT with both LT and SA in individuals with scapular dyskinesis. Several studies showed the effectiveness of PNF training in different shoulder problems (20,37,38). In a case study, it was concluded that scapular patterns of PNF application was an alternative and effective option when standard strengthening, mobilization or electrotherapy modalities were not efficient in patient with subacromial impingement syndrome and scapular dyskinesis (37).…”

“…In a case study, it was concluded that scapular patterns of PNF application was an alternative and effective option when standard strengthening, mobilization or electrotherapy modalities were not efficient in patient with subacromial impingement syndrome and scapular dyskinesis (37). Meneghini et al (38), examined the immediate effect of scapula PNF patterns in 32 volleyball players with scapular dyskinesis; the authors showed that the number of individuals with scapular dyskinesis decreased after the scapular PNF training. Balcı et al (20) stated that a combination of scapular PNF patterns with physiotherapy modalities was effective in improving shoulder function and ROM, while reducing pain in patients with adhesive capsulitis.…”