Effects of a Scapular-focused Exercise Protocol

Background: Current clinical practice still lacks consistent evidence in the physiotherapy management of Rotator cuff related pain syndrome (RCS). The purpose of this trial was to compare the effectiveness of a scapular-focused treatment with and without real-time electromyographic biofeedback (EMGBF) to a control therapy in patients with RCS. Methods: 60 patients with RCS were divided into three groups: scapular-focused exercise protocol group (P\_G n=20), scapular-focused exercise protocol with EMGBF group (P+EMGBF\_G n=20) and control therapy group (CT\_G n=20). Values of pain and function \[Shoulder Pain and Disability Index (SPADI) questionnaire, complemented by the Numeric Pain Rating Scale (NPRS) and Disabilities of the Arm, Shoulder and Hand (DASH) questionnaire\], scapular stabilizer neuromuscular control (SSNC), scapular stabilizer activation onset (SSAO), dynamic scapular alignment, range of motion (ROM) and glenohumeral flexor and abductor muscle strength (GMS) were assessed at baseline and after 6-weeks and compared within and between groups.