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Scapular DyskinesisINITonSDNCT07232316

Effect of Integrated Neuromuscular Inhibition Technique on Scapular Dyskinesia Type 2

A study testing Intigrated Neuromuscular Inhibition Technique and Conventional Exercise in people with Scapular Dyskinesis, run by Ziauddin University at 1 site in Pakistan.

Completed

Finished. The study has ended and is not enrolling. Results may be posted on the official record.

Official record
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Trial summary

The goal of this clinical trial is to learn whether the Integrated Neuromuscular Inhibition Technique (INIT) can influence shoulder motion, muscle strength, and scapular positioning in young adults with Scapular Dyskinesis Type II. This study will also compare INIT with a conventional exercise program. Read more about this study

Who is it for?
Ages 20 to 40 years
Conditions the study is for
Scapular Dyskinesis
What is being tested?
Intigrated Neuromuscular Inhibition Technique and Conventional Exercise
Could I receive a placebo?
No, everyone receives an active treatment
How many people
82 participants
Where
1 sitePakistan
Study dates
27 Jan 2025to 15 Aug 2025
Phase
Interventional
Are there results?
None posted in the registry

Key requirements

Who can take part, as listed by the sponsor. Only the study team can confirm whether you are eligible, so take this list to your doctor.

  • Ages 20 to 40 years
  • All sexes
  • No healthy volunteers
  • Adult

Who may be able to join

  • ● Both male and female participants aged between 20-40 years will be diagnosed by an orthopedic consultant and screened by a physiotherapist through Scapular Assistant Test and a PALM meter.
  • Individuals presenting with scapular malposition and inferior medial border prominence, scapular dyskinesia type II with nonspecific symptoms.

Who cannot join

  • Any diagnosed neurological deficit, i.e., hemiplegic limb, winged scapula due to lesions of the long thoracic or spinal accessory nerve.
  • Diagnosed Cervical related pathologies such as stenosis, myelopathy, and prolapsed intervertebral disk.
  • Diagnosed Shoulder-related pathology such as AC joint instability, rotator cuff pathology, history of shoulder surgery, and recent upper limb fracture.
  • Individual with neurovascular deficit and rib fracture.
  • Diagnosed chest deformity and scoliosis

Trial locations and contacts

1 site in 1 country.

Pakistan1 site
  • Ziauddin University, College of Physical Therapy

    Karachi, Sindh, 75950

Other trials in Pakistan

About this study

Official title: Effect of Integrated Neuromuscular Inhibition Technique (INIT) Versus Conventional Exercise on Muscular Strength, Shoulder ROM and Scapular Deviation Among Young Adults With Scapular Dyskinesia II.

The goal of this clinical trial is to learn whether the Integrated Neuromuscular Inhibition Technique (INIT) can influence shoulder motion, muscle strength, and scapular positioning in young adults with Scapular Dyskinesis Type II. This study will also compare INIT with a conventional exercise program.

The main questions the study aims to answer are:

  • Does INIT affect shoulder range of motion compared with conventional exercise?
  • Does INIT affect shoulder-girdle muscle strength?
  • Does INIT influence scapular deviation as measured by a palpation meter? Participants will receive either INIT or conventional exercises three times per week for six weeks. Assessments will occur at baseline, week 4, and week 6 using a goniometer, dynamometer, and palpation meter. A physiotherapist that is the Principal Investigator and supervisor will monitor participants throughout the study.
Read the detailed description

A total of 82 participants will be recruited using a multifaceted approach through pamphlets, emails, and WhatsApp groups. After enrollment, candidates will be screened by the principal investigator and re-evaluated by a clinical co-supervisor. Informed voluntary consent will be obtained before participation. Participants will be randomly allocated via the envelope method into:

  • Treatment group: Integrated Neuromuscular Inhibition Technique (INIT)
  • Control group: Conventional therapy Assessments will occur at baseline, week 4, and week 6 using a palpation meter (PALM), goniometer, and hand-held dynamometer. Each session will last 45 minutes and will be conducted three times per week for six weeks. The Scapular Assistance Test will be used initially to identify scapular dyskinesis, followed by PALM measurements-where positive values indicate upward and negative values indicate downward movement. The dynamometer will record peak force (Newtons) in a gravity-eliminated position. An orthopedic surgeon will monitor participant safety and manage any adverse events.

Integrated Neuromuscular Inhibition Technique (INIT):

INIT combines ischemic compression, strain-counter strain, and muscle energy technique (MET).

  • Ischemic Compression: Latent trigger points in the upper trapezius, levator scapulae, rhomboids, and serratus anterior are palpated and compressed for 90 seconds, repeated 3-5 times based on participant tolerance.
  • Strain-Counter Strain: The muscle is placed in a position of ease. For the upper trapezius and levator scapulae, the head is side-bent 10°-20° toward the affected side with the ipsilateral arm in abduction or flexion, held for 20-30 seconds.
  • Muscle Energy Technique: Using post-isometric relaxation, participants perform gentle isometric contractions of the same muscles, followed by stretching.

Conventional Therapy (Control Group):

Participants perform stretching and strengthening for the same muscles.

  • Stretching: Upper trapezius and levator scapulae-2-4 repetitions, holding 15-30 seconds each.
  • Strengthening: Rhomboids and serratus anterior-10 repetitions × 3 sets, progressing to 15 repetitions × 3 sets using a yellow TheraBand (70-80% elasticity, approximately 1.5 kg/unit).

This six-week protocol will provide a standardized framework for comparing the two interventions using planned assessments

Being tested
Intigrated Neuromuscular Inhibition Technique, Conventional Exercise
Keywords
scapular dyskinesis, shoulder rehabilitation, integrated neuromuscular inhibition technique

What participants receive

What participants receive. In a randomised study each person is assigned to one group by chance.

  • Intigrated Neuromuscular Inhibition TechniqueOther

    The integrated Neuromuscular Inhibition Technique (INIT) combines ischemic compression, strain-counter strain, and muscle energy techniques.

    The practitioners first identified the latent trigger points to be treated using the palpation method and treated with ischemic pressure. This technique will be done for 90 seconds and repeated 3 to 5 times. After the ischemic compression therapist, the position of ease will be attained by maintaining the part of the desired muscle in the shortened position. It will be maintained for 20-30 sec. MET is a soft tissue manipulation technique in which an individual actively performs muscle contraction in a controlled manner. In this study, isometric contraction using post-isometric relaxation technique with stretching is used

  • Conventional ExerciseOther

    Group B receives conventional exercise that includes stretches and strengthening exercises of muscles involved in SD.

    For stretching: Should repeat 2-4 times increasing gradually with a 15-30 second hold.

    For strengthening: Active exercise for ten reps in 3 sets gradually increases for 15 reps in 3 stages. The intensity of exercise will be determined by the RM method using a yellow Thera band with an elastic range of 70%-80% that is i.50 kilograms per unit

Study groups in NCT07232316
Study groupRoleWhat they receive
Group AExperimentalGroup A receives integrated neuromuscular inhibition technique. The total time commitment encompasses these assessment points spanning six weeks with each session lasting 45 minutes occurring three consecutive days a week.
Receives: Other: Intigrated Neuromuscular Inhibition Technique
Group BExperimentalGroup B receives conventional exercise. The total time commitment encompasses these assessment points spanning six weeks with each session lasting 45 minutes occurring three consecutive days a week.
Receives: Other: Conventional Exercise

What is being measured

The primary outcome is the main question the study is designed to answer.

  1. Range of motion

    The shoulder range of motion (flexion, abduction and external and internal rotation) will be using a goniometer with a reliability ICC=0.94.

    Measured: Baseline

  2. Range of motion

    The shoulder range of motion (flexion, abduction and external and internal rotation) will be using a goniometer with a reliability ICC=0.94.

    Measured: 4 week

  3. Range of motion

    Shoulder range of motion (flexion, abduction, and external and internal rotation) will be using a goniometer with a reliability ICC=0.94.

    Measured: 6 week

  4. Muscular strength

    The strength of spino scapular muscles will be measured by using hand-held dynamometer That measures peak isometric force generated by muscle groups with an inter-rater reliability ICC=0.98

    Measured: Baseline

  5. Muscular strength

    The strength of spino scapular muscles will be measured by using hand-held dynamometer That measures peak isometric force generated by muscle groups with an inter-rater reliability ICC=0.98

    Measured: 4 week

  6. Muscular strength

    The strength of spino scapular muscles will be measured by using hand-held dynamometer That measures peak isometric force generated by muscle groups with an inter-rater reliability ICC=0.98

    Measured: 6 week

  7. Scapular deviation

    PALM meter (performance Attainment Associate, St. Paul, MN, USA) will be used to measure Upward scapular deviation. It has calipers and an analogue inclinometer that can be used to calculate the horizontal distance between the scapula position and spine in scaption and coronal plane with an inter-rater reliability ICC=0.90-0.99

    Measured: Baseline

  8. Scapular deviation

    PALM meter (performance Attainment Associate, St. Paul, MN, USA) will be used to measure Upward scapular deviation. It has calipers and an analogue inclinometer that can be used to calculate the horizontal distance between the scapula position and spine in scaption and coronal plane with an inter-rater reliability ICC=0.90-0.99

    Measured: 4 week

  9. Scapular deviation

    PALM meter (performance Attainment Associate, St. Paul, MN, USA) will be used to measure Upward scapular deviation. It has calipers and an analogue inclinometer that can be used to calculate the horizontal distance between the scapula position and spine in scaption and coronal plane with an inter-rater reliability ICC=0.90-0.99

    Measured: 6 week

Timeline

From the start of the study to its completion; the mark is today. Estimated dates are the sponsor’s plan.

  1. First posted18 Nov 2025
  2. Study start27 Jan 2025
  3. Primary completion15 Aug 2025
  4. Study completion15 Aug 2025

Resources

More details

For doctors and researchers: how the study is designed, who runs it, and its registry IDs.

Study design
Study type
Interventional
Phase
Phase N/A
Primary purpose
Treatment
Allocation
Randomised
Intervention model
Parallel groups
Model description
Group A: INIT group The practitioners first identified the latent trigger points to be treated within the using the palpation method and treated with ischemic pressure that the participant can tolerate. Pressure will be maintained at a participant-tolerated level, following standard ischemic compression procedures.. It will be continued until referred or local pain diminishes. This technique will be done for 90 secs and repeated 3 to 5 times After the ischemic compression therapist, the position of ease will be attained by maintaining the part of the desired muscle in the shortened position. MET is a soft tissue manipulation technique in which an individual actively performs muscle contraction in a controlled manner Group B receives conventional exercise that includes stretches and strengthening exercises of muscles involved in SD: For stretching: Should repeat 2-4 times increasing gradually with a 15-30 second hold. For strengthening: Active exercise for ten reps in 3 sets.
Masking
Single blind
Who is masked
Participant
Enrolment
82 participants (actual)
IDs, dates and publications
ClinicalTrials.gov ID
NCT07232316
Sponsor's protocol ID
9050824SWPT
Other IDs
9050824SWPT
Acronym
INITonSD
Status last verified
Nov 2025
First submitted
23 Sep 2025
Last updated
18 Nov 2025
Results posted
No
Data monitoring committee
No
FDA-regulated drug
No
FDA-regulated device
No
Individual data sharing
No

Publications

  • Tang L, Chen K, Ma Y, Huang L, Liang J, Ma Y. Scapular stabilization exercise based on the type of scapular dyskinesis versus traditional rehabilitation training in the treatment of periarthritis of the shoulder: study protocol for a randomized controlled trial. Trials. 2021 Oct 18;22(1):713. doi: 10.1186/s13063-021-05654-2.

    PubMed 34663424
  • Roche SJ, Funk L, Sciascia A, Kibler WB. Scapular dyskinesis: the surgeon's perspective. Shoulder Elbow. 2015 Oct;7(4):289-97. doi: 10.1177/1758573215595949. Epub 2015 Jul 16.

    PubMed 27582990
  • Saadat Z, Hemmati L, Pirouzi S, Ataollahi M, Ali-Mohammadi F. Effects of Integrated Neuromuscular Inhibition Technique on pain threshold and pain intensity in patients with upper trapezius trigger points. J Bodyw Mov Ther. 2018 Oct;22(4):937-940. doi: 10.1016/j.jbmt.2018.01.002. Epub 2018 Jan 17.

    PubMed 30368338
  • Lytras D, Sykaras E, Christoulas K, Myrogiannis I, Kellis E. Effects of an integrated neuromuscular inhibition technique program on neck muscle strength and endurance in individuals with chronic mechanical neck pain. J Bodyw Mov Ther. 2019 Jul;23(3):643-651. doi: 10.1016/j.jbmt.2019.01.004. Epub 2019 Jan 28.

    PubMed 31563383
  • Saglam G, Telli H. The prevalence of scapular dyskinesia in patients with back, neck, and shoulder pain and the effect of this combination on pain and muscle shortness. Agri. 2022 Apr;34(2):100-108. doi: 10.14744/agri.2022.87059.

    PubMed 35848815
  • Kolber MJ, Hanney WJ. The reliability and concurrent validity of shoulder mobility measurements using a digital inclinometer and goniometer: a technical report. Int J Sports Phys Ther. 2012 Jun;7(3):306-13.

    PubMed 22666645
  • Kibler WB, Sciascia A. Evaluation and Management of Scapular Dyskinesis in Overhead Athletes. Curr Rev Musculoskelet Med. 2019 Dec;12(4):515-526. doi: 10.1007/s12178-019-09591-1.

    PubMed 31760624
  • Kheradmandi A, Kamali F, Ebrahimian M, Abbasi L. Comparison between dry needling plus manual therapy with manual therapy alone on pain and function in overhead athletes with scapular dyskinesia: A randomized clinical trial. J Bodyw Mov Ther. 2021 Apr;26:339-346. doi: 10.1016/j.jbmt.2020.11.017. Epub 2020 Nov 24.

    PubMed 33992267
  • Hickey D, Solvig V, Cavalheri V, Harrold M, Mckenna L. Scapular dyskinesis increases the risk of future shoulder pain by 43% in asymptomatic athletes: a systematic review and meta-analysis. Br J Sports Med. 2018 Jan;52(2):102-110. doi: 10.1136/bjsports-2017-097559. Epub 2017 Jul 22.

    PubMed 28735288
  • Gorji SM, Kazemi O, Shahrzad P, Marchetti PH. Efficacy of Six Weeks Stability Exercises on the Glenohumeral Joint of Female Tennis Players with Scapular Dyskinesia. Int J Exerc Sci. 2022 Jul 1;15(3):962-973. doi: 10.70252/RGVB2654. eCollection 2022.

    PubMed 36158226
  • Amorim CS, Gracitelli ME, Marques AP, Alves VL. Effectiveness of global postural reeducation compared to segmental exercises on function, pain, and quality of life of patients with scapular dyskinesis associated with neck pain: a preliminary clinical trial. J Manipulative Physiol Ther. 2014 Jul-Aug;37(6):441-7. doi: 10.1016/j.jmpt.2013.08.011. Epub 2014 Aug 3.

    PubMed 25092553
  • Chitale N Jr, Patil DS, Phansopkar P. Integrated Neuromuscular Inhibition Technique Versus Mulligan Mobilization on Functional Disability in Subjects With Nonspecific Low Back Pain: A Comparative Study. Cureus. 2022 Oct 13;14(10):e30253. doi: 10.7759/cureus.30253. eCollection 2022 Oct.

    PubMed 36381847
  • Okezue OC, Anamezie TH, Nene JJ, Okwudili JD. Work-Related Musculoskeletal Disorders among Office Workers in Higher Education Institutions: A Cross-Sectional Study. Ethiop J Health Sci. 2020 Sep;30(5):715-724. doi: 10.4314/ejhs.v30i5.10.

    PubMed 33911832
  • Baschung Pfister P, de Bruin ED, Sterkele I, Maurer B, de Bie RA, Knols RH. Manual muscle testing and hand-held dynamometry in people with inflammatory myopathy: An intra- and interrater reliability and validity study. PLoS One. 2018 Mar 29;13(3):e0194531. doi: 10.1371/journal.pone.0194531. eCollection 2018.

    PubMed 29596450

Questions about this trial

What is this clinical trial studying?

A study testing Intigrated Neuromuscular Inhibition Technique and Conventional Exercise in people with Scapular Dyskinesis, run by Ziauddin University at 1 site in Pakistan.

The full registered description is in the About this study section and the official record.

Who may be eligible to take part?

The sponsor lists 2 inclusion and 5 exclusion criteria. Eligibility is decided by the study team after screening, so read the full criteria and contact a listed site.

Is this clinical trial currently recruiting?

The record says: finished, as of the sponsor's last update on 18 Nov 2025. Status can change between updates, so confirm with the study contact before making plans.

Where is the study taking place?

The record lists 1 site in Pakistan. Whether a site is taking part right now should be confirmed with that site. See every site.

What are the possible benefits and risks?

They depend on the study and the treatment, and no study can promise a benefit. The study team explains the known risks during informed consent, before anyone joins; the record itself does not list them.

Are results available for this study?

The study is completed, but results are not available in the source record. That does not mean the treatment did or did not work.

How can a doctor refer a patient or contact the research team?

The record lists no contact. The official record names the sponsor, who can be asked directly. AzTrials does not enrol participants or take referrals.

What does the primary outcome measure?

Range of motion (time frame: Baseline). The study lists 9 primary outcomes in all. It is what the study was designed to measure, not a finding.

Where can I read the original study information?

On the ClinicalTrials.gov record for NCT07232316, which also lists 14 linked publications.

Does a listing mean the treatment is approved or proven to work?

No. A listing means the study is registered. It does not show that the treatment is safe, works, or is approved by a regulator.

How often is this information updated?

AzTrials copies changed records from ClinicalTrials.gov every night and reloads the whole registry every week. The sponsor last updated this record on 18 Nov 2025.

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