Effects of Strength Training on Scapular Dyskinesia: A Systematic Review

Abstract

Scapular dyskinesia refers to the functional disorder that affects the shoulder complex. Strength training has recently been used as a non-pharmacological strategy to minimize functional disorders that affect the musculoskeletal system. However, the evidence pointing to the contributions of strength training on scapular dyskinesia is still poorly understood. Therefore, the objective of the present study was to systematically review the evidence on the effects of strength training on scapular dyskinesia. The search for articles was carried out in the index databases Google Scholar, SciELO and PubMED until October 2017, with the application of the following descriptors: "scapular dyskinesia" and "strength training" in Portuguese and English, in different orders and combinations. Two researchers participated in the process of searching and selecting the articles and the PEDro scale was used as an instrument to evaluate the quality of the studies. 12 articles were found and after the application of the inclusion and exclusion criteria six manuscripts presented eligibility to compose the review. The evidences found allows us to point out the effects of strength training on the increase of lean mass, strengthening of the shoulder complex, reduction of reported pain and improvement in movement pattern. Therefore, considering the evidence found, strength training is suggested as one of the possible and efficient strategies in the people’s rehabilitation with scapular dyskinesia. Keywords: Exercise Therapy. Rehabilitation. Musculoskeletal System.ResumoA discinesia escapular faz referência ao distúrbio funcional que compromete o complexo do ombro. O treinamento de força, recentemente, tem sido utilizado como estratégia não farmacológica para minimização dos distúrbios funcionais que comprometem o sistema musculoesquelético. Todavia, as evidências que apontam as contribuições do treinamento de força sobre a discinesia escapular ainda são pouco conhecidas. Portanto, o objetivo do presente estudo foi revisar de forma sistemática as evidências sobre os efeitos do treinamento de força sobre a discinesia escapular. A busca dos artigos foi realizada nas bases indexadoras Google Acadêmico, SciELO e PubMED até outubro de 2017, com a aplicação dos seguintes descritores: “discinesia escapular” e “treinamento de força” em português e inglês, em diferentes ordens e combinações. Dois pesquisadores participaram do processo de busca e seleção dos artigos e a escala PEDro foi utilizada como instrumento de avaliação da qualidade dos estudos. 12 artigos foram encontrados e após a aplicação dos critérios de inclusão e exclusão seis manuscritos apresentaram elegibilidade para compor a revisão. As evidências encontradas permitem apontar como efeitos do treinamento de força o aumento da massa magra, o fortalecimento do complexo do ombro, a redução da dor relatada e a melhora no padrão de movimento. Logo, considerando as evidências encontradas, sugere-se a treinamento de força como uma das estratégias possíveis e eficiente na reabilitação de pessoas com discinesia escapular. Palavras-chave: Terapia por Exercício. Reabilitação. Sistema Musculoesquelético.

Effects of the Proprioceptive Neuromuscular Facilitation Technique on Scapula Function in Office Workers with Scapula Dyskinesis

“…Blackburn’s scapula stabilization exercise is commonly used by physiotherapists, and it has been reported that there is a significant difference [ 31 ] before and after the exercise in terms of muscle strength improvement of the rotator cuff in shoulder joints. However, as scapula dyskinesis is a disorder involving changes in the entire shoulder complex and all shoulder lesions, muscle strengthening of the rotator cuff is not adequately efficient [ 17 ]. Therefore, movement control exercises should be conducted considering kinematic aspects rather than unconditional muscle strengthening exercises.…”

“…In 2019, a systematic literature review on scapula dysfunction reported the following as the main causes of scapula dysfunction: reduced rotator cuff muscle strength, weak scapula muscles, reduced range of motion (ROM) of the shoulder and shoulder joints, lesions in soft tissue, inadequate movement of the scapula, and increased risk of shoulder joint impact [ 17 ].…”

“…Kibler [ 19 ] also stated that a rehabilitation protocol based on the kinetic chain can gradually restore the scapula dynamic stability by strengthening the scapula stabilizing muscles, thus improving muscle activity and muscle balance. Samir et al [ 17 ] stated that muscle strengthening is a possible intervention strategy for improving recovery and preventing shoulder dysfunction.…”