Scapular DyskinesisNCT07576426
Effects of Motor Control Retraining and Scapular Stabilization Exercises in Females With Scapular Dyskinesia.
A study testing scapular stabilization exercises in people with Scapular Dyskinesis, run by Riphah International University at 1 site in Pakistan.
Trial summary
To evaluate the combined effects of motor control retraining and scapular stabilization exercises on pain reduction, muscle strength improvement, and functional enhancement in breastfeeding females diagnosed with scapular dyskinesia, and to determine the effectiveness of this combined approach in addressing their… Read more about this study
- Who is it for?
- Ages 20 to 40 years, women onlyHealthy volunteers can take part
- Conditions the study is for
- Scapular Dyskinesis
- What is being tested?
- scapular stabilization exercises
- Could I receive a placebo?
- No, everyone receives an active treatment
- How many people
- 34 participants
- Where
- 1 sitePakistan
- Study dates
- 1 Oct 2025to Oct 2026
- Phase
- Interventional
- Are there results?
- Not yet: the study is under way
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
- Women only
- Healthy volunteers accepted
- Adult
Who may be able to join
- Currently breastfeeding (minimum 3 months postpartum)
- Diagnosed with scapular dyskinesia (clinical tests such as the scapular dyskinesis test)
- Complaints of shoulder or upper back pain during or after breastfeeding
Who cannot join
- History of shoulder surgery or recent trauma to the shoulder or spine
- Neurological disorders affecting upper limb function (cervical radiculopathy).
- Musculoskeletal conditions unrelated to scapular dyskinesia (rotator cuff tear, frozen shoulder)
- Participation in any shoulder rehabilitation program in the past 3 months.
- Contraindications to exercise (severe cardiopulmonary conditions or acute infections).
Trial locations and contacts
1 site in 1 country. Contact the study team or a site near you to ask about taking part.
Pakistan1 site, 1 recruiting
- Recruiting
Gangaram Hospital
Lahore, Punjab Province, 6400
Dr.Hina gul, PhD*, 03214979172, hina.gul@riphah.edu.pk
About this study
Official title: Combine Effects of Motor Control Retraining and Scapular Stabilization Exercises on Pain, Strength and Function in Breast Feeding Females With Scapular Dyskinesia.
To evaluate the combined effects of motor control retraining and scapular stabilization exercises on pain reduction, muscle strength improvement, and functional enhancement in breastfeeding females diagnosed with scapular dyskinesia, and to determine the effectiveness of this combined approach in addressing their musculoskeletal impairments.
Read the detailed description
This will be a randomized controlled trial involving 60 breastfeeding females aged 20-40 years diagnosed with scapular dyskinesia. Participants will be randomly assigned to one of two groups: the intervention group receiving a combined program of motor control retraining and scapular stabilization exercises, and the control group receiving standard physical therapy care. The intervention will be administered three times per week for eight weeks. Outcome measures will include the Numeric Pain Rate Scale (NPRS) for pain, Manual Muscle testing for muscle strength, and the Disabilities of the Arm, Shoulder, and Hand (DASH) questionnaire for functional assessment. The data will be analyzing by the version of SPSS 25.
- Conditions
- Scapular Dyskinesis
- Being tested
- motor control retraining, scapular stabilization exercises
- Keywords
- dyskinesia, breast feeding, women, posture, postpartum
- Medical subject headings
- Dyskinesias, Breast Feeding
What participants receive
What participants receive. In a randomised study each person is assigned to one group by chance.
motor control retrainingOther
the motor control retraining protocol will be performed three times per week, with each session lasting approximately 30 to 45 minutes.
The intensity remains low. Th type of activity consists of targeted motor control exercises focusing on the scapula and shoulder girdle. Over a period of eight weeks, participants will complete about 24 sessions in total
scapular stabilization exercisesOther
Frequency refers to performing the exercises 3 times per week, Intensity involves using low to moderate resistance (resistance bands or light weights), adjusted as the patient's strength improves, Time consists of 2 to 3 sets of 10-15 repetitions for each exercise, Type includes specific movements targeting the scapular stabilizers, such as wall slides, scapular retractions, serratus punches, prone Y and T exercises, and dynamic hugs.
| Study group | Role | What they receive |
|---|---|---|
| motor control retraining & scapular stabilization exercises | Experimental | Motor control retraining is a specialized therapeutic approach designed to restore proper movement patterns by enhancing the coordination, timing, and sequencing of muscle activation. These exercises perform in Supine line, prone line \& side lying position.Scapular stabilization exercises can be effectively performed in clinical physiotherapy settings, home environments, or fitness centers, depending on the patient's comfort, supervision needs, and availability of equipment such as resistance bands or light dumbbells. Receives: Other: motor control retraining; Other: scapular stabilization exercises |
| motor control retraining | Active comparator | Motor control retraining is a specialized therapeutic approach designed to restore proper movement patterns by enhancing the coordination, timing, and sequencing of muscle activation Receives: Other: motor control retraining |
What is being measured
The primary outcome is the main question the study is designed to answer.
Numeric Pain Rating Scale
The Numeric Pain Rating Scale (NPRS) is a simple and effective tool used to assess the intensity of pain experienced by an individual. Scoring is typically done on a scale from 0 to 10, where 0 indicates no pain, 1-3 represents mild pain, 4-6 indicates moderate pain, and 7 10 denotes severe to the worst possible pain. This scale provides a quick, reliable, and sensitive measure of pain, making it valuable for both clinical assessment and research purposes.
Measured: 8th week
Manual Muscle Testing
Manual Muscle Testing (MMT) is a widely used clinical assessment tool to evaluate the strength of individual muscles or muscle groups based on the examiner's application of resistance.Scoring in MMT is typically based on a six-point scale from 0 to 5, where each grade reflects a different level of muscle function
Measured: 8th week
Disabilities of the Arm, Shoulder and Hand (DASH) Questionnaire
The Disabilities of the Arm, Shoulder and Hand (DASH) Questionnaire is a standardized self-report tool used to measure physical function and symptoms in individuals with upper extremity musculoskeletal disorders. It assesses the impact of arm, shoulder, or hand problems on the ability to perform certain daily activities, as well as the severity of symptoms such as pain, weakness, and stiffness. The DASH is widely used in both clinical practice and research due to its high reliability, validity, and sensitivity to changes in upper limb function
Measured: 8th week
Timeline
From the start of the study to its completion; the mark is today. Estimated dates are the sponsor’s plan.
- First posted8 May 2026
- Study start1 Oct 2025
- Primary completionOct 2026 (estimated)
- Study completionOct 2026 (estimated)
Resources
- Official record on ClinicalTrials.govThe registry entry this page is built from, with its full change history.
- Publications (5)Papers the sponsor has linked to this study.
- Other trials for Scapular DyskinesisStudies of the same condition, open and under way.
- What the trial phases meanHow a treatment moves from first tests in people to approval.
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
- Masking
- Single blind
- Who is masked
- Outcomes assessor
- Enrolment
- 34 participants (estimated)
Sponsor and investigators
- Lead sponsor
- Riphah International University
- Sponsor type
- University, hospital or other
- Responsible party
- Sponsor
- Investigators
- hina gul, PhD*, Principal investigator, Riphah International University
IDs, dates and publications
- ClinicalTrials.gov ID
- NCT07576426
- Sponsor's protocol ID
- REC/RCR & AHS/25/0509
- Status last verified
- Sep 2026
- First submitted
- 4 May 2026
- Last updated
- 24 Sep 2026
- Results posted
- No
- Data monitoring committee
- No
- FDA-regulated drug
- No
- FDA-regulated device
- No
- Individual data sharing
- No
Publications
Lafrance S, Ouellet P, Alaoui R, Roy JS, Lewis J, Christiansen DH, Dubois B, Langevin P, Desmeules F. Motor Control Exercises Compared to Strengthening Exercises for Upper- and Lower-Extremity Musculoskeletal Disorders: A Systematic Review With Meta-Analyses of Randomized Controlled Trials. Phys Ther. 2021 Jul 1;101(7):pzab072. doi: 10.1093/ptj/pzab072.
PubMed 33609357da Silva Araújo G, Monteiro ER, da Silva Telles LG, de Almeida RA, Evangelista AL, Leitão L, et al. Acute effect of stretching performed before a resistance exercise session using different intervals on maximum repetitions performance in recreationally trained adults. Retos: nuevas tendencias en educación física, deporte y recreación. 2024(52):304-10.
Shaik A, Khan S, Shaik A, Shaik KK. Advancements in Postpartum Rehabilitation: A Systematic Review. Cureus. 2024 Aug 5;16(8):e66165. doi: 10.7759/cureus.66165. eCollection 2024 Aug.
PubMed 39233964Peteraitis T, Smedes F. Scapula motor control training with Proprioceptive Neuromuscular Facilitation in chronic subacromial impingement syndrome: A case report. J Bodyw Mov Ther. 2020 Jul;24(3):165-171. doi: 10.1016/j.jbmt.2020.03.005. Epub 2020 Mar 15.
PubMed 32825984Ratajczak M, Gornowicz R. The influence of breastfeeding factors on the prevalence of back and neck pain: data from an online survey. BMC Musculoskelet Disord. 2024 Aug 29;25(1):675. doi: 10.1186/s12891-024-07785-4.
PubMed 39210354
Study at a glance
From the registry record, last updated by the sponsor on 24 Sep 2026. Recruitment status is as the sponsor reported it: confirm with the study team.
- Official title
- Combine Effects of Motor Control Retraining and Scapular Stabilization Exercises on Pain, Strength and Function in Breast Feeding Females With Scapular Dyskinesia.
- ClinicalTrials.gov ID
- NCT07576426
- Acronym / sponsor ID
- REC/RCR & AHS/25/0509
- Conditions
- Scapular Dyskinesis
- Keywords
- dyskinesia, breast feeding, women, posture, postpartum
- Study type
- Interventional
- Recruitment status
- Recruiting
- Enrolment
- 34 participants (estimated)
- Lead sponsor
- Riphah International UniversityUniversity, hospital or other
- Study start
- 1 Oct 2025 (actual)
- Primary completion
- Oct 2026 (estimated)
- Study completion
- Oct 2026 (estimated)
- First posted
- 8 May 2026 (actual)
- Results
- Not posted in the source record
Clinical summary
The research question as the sponsor registered it. This describes what the study plans to test, not what it found.
To evaluate the combined effects of motor control retraining and scapular stabilization exercises on pain reduction, muscle strength improvement, and functional enhancement in breastfeeding females diagnosed with scapular dyskinesia, and to determine the effectiveness of this combined approach in addressing their musculoskeletal impairments.
Detailed description
This will be a randomized controlled trial involving 60 breastfeeding females aged 20-40 years diagnosed with scapular dyskinesia. Participants will be randomly assigned to one of two groups: the intervention group receiving a combined program of motor control retraining and scapular stabilization exercises, and the control group receiving standard physical therapy care. The intervention will be administered three times per week for eight weeks. Outcome measures will include the Numeric Pain Rate Scale (NPRS) for pain, Manual Muscle testing for muscle strength, and the Disabilities of the Arm, Shoulder, and Hand (DASH) questionnaire for functional assessment. The data will be analyzing by the version of SPSS 25.
Study design
- Primary purpose
- Treatment
- Allocation
- Randomised
- Intervention model
- Parallel groups
- Masking
- Single blind (outcomes assessor)
- Number of arms
- 2
| Arm | Type | Receives |
|---|---|---|
| motor control retraining & scapular stabilization exercises | Experimental | Other: motor control retraining, Other: scapular stabilization exercisesMotor control retraining is a specialized therapeutic approach designed to restore proper movement patterns by enhancing the coordination, timing, and sequencing of muscle activation. These exercises perform in Supine line, prone line \& side lying position.Scapular stabilization exercises can be effectively performed in clinical physiotherapy settings, home environments, or fitness centers, depending on the patient's comfort, supervision needs, and availability of equipment such as resistance bands or light dumbbells. |
| motor control retraining | Active comparator | Other: motor control retrainingMotor control retraining is a specialized therapeutic approach designed to restore proper movement patterns by enhancing the coordination, timing, and sequencing of muscle activation |
Who may qualify
- Ages
- 20 to 40 years
- Sex
- Female only
- Healthy volunteers
- Accepted
- Age groups
- Adult
Key inclusion criteria (3 listed)
- Currently breastfeeding (minimum 3 months postpartum)
- Diagnosed with scapular dyskinesia (clinical tests such as the scapular dyskinesis test)
- Complaints of shoulder or upper back pain during or after breastfeeding
Key exclusion criteria (5 listed)
- History of shoulder surgery or recent trauma to the shoulder or spine
- Neurological disorders affecting upper limb function (cervical radiculopathy).
- Musculoskeletal conditions unrelated to scapular dyskinesia (rotator cuff tear, frozen shoulder)
- Participation in any shoulder rehabilitation program in the past 3 months.
- Contraindications to exercise (severe cardiopulmonary conditions or acute infections).
Eligibility is decided by the study team after screening; this overview does not establish that a patient qualifies. Full inclusion and exclusion criteria.
Interventions
| Intervention | Type | Arms |
|---|---|---|
| motor control retrainingthe motor control retraining protocol will be performed three times per week, with each session lasting approximately 30 to 45 minutes. The intensity remains low. Th type of activity consists of targeted motor control exercises focusing on the scapula and shoulder girdle. Over a period of eight weeks, participants will complete about 24 sessions in total | Other | motor control retraining, motor control retraining & scapular stabilization exercises |
| scapular stabilization exercisesFrequency refers to performing the exercises 3 times per week, Intensity involves using low to moderate resistance (resistance bands or light weights), adjusted as the patient's strength improves, Time consists of 2 to 3 sets of 10-15 repetitions for each exercise, Type includes specific movements targeting the scapular stabilizers, such as wall slides, scapular retractions, serratus punches, prone Y and T exercises, and dynamic hugs. | Other | motor control retraining & scapular stabilization exercises |
Primary outcome
Numeric Pain Rating Scale
Time frame: 8th week
The Numeric Pain Rating Scale (NPRS) is a simple and effective tool used to assess the intensity of pain experienced by an individual. Scoring is typically done on a scale from 0 to 10, where 0 indicates no pain, 1-3 represents mild pain, 4-6 indicates moderate pain, and 7 10 denotes severe to the worst possible pain. This scale provides a quick, reliable, and sensitive measure of pain, making it valuable for both clinical assessment and research purposes.
Manual Muscle Testing
Time frame: 8th week
Manual Muscle Testing (MMT) is a widely used clinical assessment tool to evaluate the strength of individual muscles or muscle groups based on the examiner's application of resistance.Scoring in MMT is typically based on a six-point scale from 0 to 5, where each grade reflects a different level of muscle function
Disabilities of the Arm, Shoulder and Hand (DASH) Questionnaire
Time frame: 8th week
The Disabilities of the Arm, Shoulder and Hand (DASH) Questionnaire is a standardized self-report tool used to measure physical function and symptoms in individuals with upper extremity musculoskeletal disorders. It assesses the impact of arm, shoulder, or hand problems on the ability to perform certain daily activities, as well as the severity of symptoms such as pain, weakness, and stiffness. The DASH is widely used in both clinical practice and research due to its high reliability, validity, and sensitivity to changes in upper limb function
Results and safety
This study is still under way. Results are not available in the source record yet.
Research links
- Official record on ClinicalTrials.govLast updated by the sponsor 24 Sep 2026.
- Background: PubMed 33609357Lafrance S, Ouellet P, Alaoui R, Roy JS, Lewis J, Christiansen DH, Dubois B, Langevin P, Desmeules F. Motor Control Exercises Compared to Strengthening Exercises for Upper- and Lower-Extremity Musculoskeletal Disorders: A Systematic Review With Meta-Analyses of Randomized Controlled Trials. Phys Ther. 2021 Jul 1;101(7):pzab072. doi: 10.1093/ptj/pzab072.
- Backgroundda Silva Araújo G, Monteiro ER, da Silva Telles LG, de Almeida RA, Evangelista AL, Leitão L, et al. Acute effect of stretching performed before a resistance exercise session using different intervals on maximum repetitions performance in recreationally trained adults. Retos: nuevas tendencias en educación física, deporte y recreación. 2024(52):304-10.
- Background: PubMed 39233964Shaik A, Khan S, Shaik A, Shaik KK. Advancements in Postpartum Rehabilitation: A Systematic Review. Cureus. 2024 Aug 5;16(8):e66165. doi: 10.7759/cureus.66165. eCollection 2024 Aug.
- Background: PubMed 32825984Peteraitis T, Smedes F. Scapula motor control training with Proprioceptive Neuromuscular Facilitation in chronic subacromial impingement syndrome: A case report. J Bodyw Mov Ther. 2020 Jul;24(3):165-171. doi: 10.1016/j.jbmt.2020.03.005. Epub 2020 Mar 15.
- Background: PubMed 39210354Ratajczak M, Gornowicz R. The influence of breastfeeding factors on the prevalence of back and neck pain: data from an online survey. BMC Musculoskelet Disord. 2024 Aug 29;25(1):675. doi: 10.1186/s12891-024-07785-4.
- Individual participant dataSharing planned: No
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Referral and contact
AzTrials does not enrol participants or take referrals. Contact the study team or a site listed below; they decide who can take part.
hina gul, PhD* principal investigator
Riphah International University
1 site in 1 country: see every site and its status.
Questions about this trial
What is this clinical trial studying?
A study testing scapular stabilization exercises in people with Scapular Dyskinesis, run by Riphah International 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 3 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: looking for participants now, as of the sponsor's last update on 24 Sep 2026. 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?
This study is still under way. Results are not available in the source record yet.
How can a doctor refer a patient or contact the research team?
Contact imran amjad (03324390125, imran.amjad@riphah.edu.pk), or a site near the patient. AzTrials does not enrol participants or take referrals.
What does the primary outcome measure?
Numeric Pain Rating Scale (time frame: 8th week). The study lists 3 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 NCT07576426, which also lists 5 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 24 Sep 2026.