Scapular DyskinesisNCT07841652
Scapular Stabilization Versus Proprioceptive Neuromuscular Facilitation Technique in Scapular Dyskinesis
A study testing Scapular Stabilization Exercises+ Proprioceptive Neuromuscular Facilitation and Patient engagement through warm-up and Scapular Stabilization exercises in people with Scapular Dyskinesis, run by University of Lahore at 1 site in Pakistan.
Trial summary
Office workers, typically engaged in administrative or professional roles, are increasingly susceptible to scapular dyskinesis (SD). Poor ergonomic setups at workstations have been identified as a major contributing factor to musculoskeletal discomfort in this population. Read more about this study
- Who is it for?
- Ages 20 to 55 years
- Conditions the study is for
- Scapular Dyskinesis
- What is being tested?
- Scapular Stabilization Exercises+ Proprioceptive Neuromuscular Facilitation and Patient engagement through warm-up and Scapular Stabilization exercises
- Could I receive a placebo?
- No, everyone receives an active treatment
- How many people
- 86 participants
- Where
- 1 sitePakistan
- Study dates
- 15 Nov 2025to 20 Nov 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 55 years
- All sexes
- No healthy volunteers
- Adult
Who may be able to join
- • Both male and females
- White-collar jobbers working ≥4 h/day, 40 h/week; >1 year experience.
- Pain 4-7/10 (NPRS)
- Positive Scapular Assistance Test (SAT) and Lateral Scapular Slide Test LSST, confirmed by a physical therapist.
Who cannot join
- • Orthopedic upper-extremity injury in last 3 weeks; prior shoulder/upper-limb surgery.
- Neurological disorders of neck/upper limb; current participation in upper-limb rehab.
- Postural deformities (e.g., scoliosis, cervical pathology); pregnancy; conditions preventing scapular testing; history of major trauma (e.g., RTA, spinal disc pathology).
Trial locations and contacts
1 site in 1 country.
Pakistan1 site
University of Lahore Teaching Hospital
Lahore, Punjab Province, 54782
About this study
Official title: Scapular Stabilization Exercises Versus Proprioceptive Neuromuscular Facilitation Technique in Scapular Dyskinesis Among Office Workers
Office workers, typically engaged in administrative or professional roles, are increasingly susceptible to scapular dyskinesis (SD). Poor ergonomic setups at workstations have been identified as a major contributing factor to musculoskeletal discomfort in this population. Scapular stabilization and neuromuscular training have shown efficacy in improving scapular mechanics. However, direct comparisons of these interventions in office worker populations remain limited. To address this knowledge gap, a randomized clinical trial was conducted to directly compare the two treatment approaches. Outcome measures included the Disabilities of the Arm, Shoulder and Hand (DASH) questionnaire, Numeric Pain Rating Scale (NPRS), Scapular Assistance Test (SAT), Visual Scapular Dyskinesis Test, digital inclinometer, and digital vernier caliper to determine which method is more effective in reducing pain, disability, and improving ROM, and scapular kinematic and neuromuscular control in office workers with Scapular Dyskinesis.
Read the detailed description
Scapular dyskinesis is a common musculoskeletal disorder characterized by abnormal movement or positioning of the scapula (shoulder blade). This condition is commonly associated with prolonged sedentary work, poor ergonomic practices, and sustained postures. Office workers who use computers for prolonged periods are increasingly experiencing neck and shoulder pain. Poor ergonomic setups at workstations have been identified as a major contributing factor to musculoskeletal discomfort in this population. Studies have shown that using a keyboard for 4 to 6 hours per day significantly increases the risk of developing neck and shoulder pain compared with less frequent computer use. Furthermore, many office workers adopt a forward head posture for extended periods, which places stress on the soft tissues of the cervical spine. Prolonged stress can negatively affect shoulder and scapular function, often resulting in alterations in normal scapular movement. Scapular stabilization exercises are designed to improve scapular position and control, while proprioceptive neuromuscular facilitation (PNF) training focuses on coordinated scapular movements and muscle activation. The purpose of this randomized controlled trial is to compare the effectiveness of scapular stabilization exercises with proprioceptive neuromuscular activation training in office workers with scapular dyskinesis. The primary outcomes of the study include pain and functional disability. Secondary outcomes include shoulder range of motion (ROM), scapular movement, and scapular positioning. The findings of this study may provide evidence regarding the effectiveness of scapular stabilization and proprioceptive neuromuscular activation training for improving pain, shoulder range of motion, functional ability, scapular kinematics and neuromuscular in office workers with scapular dyskinesis.
- Conditions
- Scapular Dyskinesis
- Being tested
- Scapular Stabilization Exercises+ Proprioceptive Neuromuscular Facilitation, Patient engagement through warm-up and Scapular Stabilization exercises
- Keywords
- Scapular dyskinesis, Office workers, Scapular stabilization exercises, proprioceptive neuromuscular facilitation, pain, disability, range of motion, scapular motor control
- Medical subject headings
- Pain
What participants receive
What participants receive. In a randomised study each person is assigned to one group by chance.
Scapular Stabilization Exercises+ Proprioceptive Neuromuscular FacilitationOther
The group received standard conventional treatment consisting of a moist heating pad applied for 10 minutes, followed by 25 minutes of scapular stabilization exercises and 20 minutes of proprioceptive neuromuscular facilitation. Treatment was administered three times per week for six weeks.
The scapular stabilization component included prone Y, T, and W raises performed in a prone position, with the arms elevated approximately 10-15 cm while maintaining scapular retraction and depression. Participants performed 3 sets of 10-12 repetitions with a 2-second pause. Scapular push-ups were performed from a prone plank position with active scapular protraction for 3 sets of 8-10 repetitions. Wall-slide elevation with mirror feedback was performed for 3 sets of 12-15 repetitions while maintaining scapular control. Resistance-band rows were performed for 12-15 repetitions. Scapular D1 and D2 PNF patterns were performed with light manual resistance, 3 sets of 8-10 reps with 5-second holds.
Patient engagement through warm-up and Scapular Stabilization exercisesOther
Patients performed low-intensity engagement exercises to improve adherence, relaxation, and patient comfort during rehabilitation sessions. These activities included wall climbing (finger ladder/wall stair exercises), pendulum exercises, shoulder rolls, active shoulder range-of-motion exercises, pectoralis stretching, and thoracic mobility exercises performed within a pain-free range. Application of moist heating pad for 10 minutes. , 20 minutes of patient engagement+25 min scapular stabilization. 3 sessions per week for 6 weeks.
The scapular stabilization exercises included Prone Y/T/W raises performed in prone position, with the arms raised 10-15 cm to create T, Y (thumbs up), and W positions while maintaining scapular retraction and depression. Participants performed 3 sets of 10-12 repetitions, with a 2-second pause. Scapular push-ups were performed from a prone plank position with engaged scapular protraction for 3 sets of 8-10 reps. Wall-slide elevation with mirror feedback.
| Study group | Role | What they receive |
|---|---|---|
| Scapular Stabilization + Proprioceptive Neuromuscular Facilitation Group | Experimental | Participants in this arm received scapular stabilization exercises combined with proprioceptive neuromuscular facilitation (PNF) and moist heat. Each 55-minute session consisted of 10 minutes of moist heat, 25 minutes of scapular stabilization exercises, and 20 minutes of PNF training. Treatment will be administered three sessions per week for six weeks, for a total of 18 sessions. Receives: Other: Scapular Stabilization Exercises+ Proprioceptive Neuromuscular Facilitation |
| Scapular Stabilization Group | Active comparator | Participants in this arm received scapular stabilization exercises combined with warm-up and mobility exercises and moist heat. Each 55-minute session consisted of 10 minutes of moist heat, 20 minutes of warm-up and mobility exercises, and 25 minutes of scapular stabilization exercises. Treatment will be administered three sessions per week for six weeks, for a total of 18 sessions. Receives: Other: Patient engagement through warm-up and Scapular Stabilization exercises |
What is being measured
The primary outcome is the main question the study is designed to answer.
Pain intensity
Pain intensity (Numeric Pain Rating Scale, NPRS; 0-10), 0 indicates no pain and 10 indicates the worst pain.
Measured: At baseline, at 3rd week and at 6th week.
Upper extremity functional disability
(Disabilities of the Arm, Shoulder and Hand questionnaire - DASH), Scores range from 0 to 100, where 0 indicates no disability (better function) and 100 indicates the greatest disability (worse function).
Measured: at baseline, at 3rd week and at 6th week.
Secondary outcomes (4)
Shoulder range of motion (ROM)
digital inclinometer measuring flexion, abduction, internal rotation, and external rotation
Measured: at baseline, at 3rd week and at 6th week
Scapular kinematics
scapular rotation using digital inclinometer; scapular asymmetry using Lateral Scapular Slide Test; static scapular positioning using digital vernier caliper
Measured: at baseline ,at 3rd week and at 6th week.
Neuromuscular control
Scapular Assistance Test
Measured: at baseline, at 3rd week and at 6th week.
Neuromuscular Control
Scapular Retraction Test
Measured: at baseline, 3rd week and at 6th week.
Timeline
From the start of the study to its completion; the mark is today. Estimated dates are the sponsor’s plan.
- First posted25 Sep 2026
- Study start15 Nov 2025
- Primary completion15 Oct 2026 (estimated)
- Study completion20 Nov 2026 (estimated)
Resources
- Official record on ClinicalTrials.govThe registry entry this page is built from, with its full change history.
- Other trials for Scapular DyskinesisStudies of the same condition, open and under way.
- More trials run by University of LahoreThe sponsor's other registered studies.
- 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
- 86 participants (estimated)
Sponsor and investigators
- Lead sponsor
- University of Lahore
- Sponsor type
- University, hospital or other
- Responsible party
- Sponsor
- Investigators
- Sahreen Anwar, Ph.D, Study chair, University of Lahore
IDs, dates and publications
- ClinicalTrials.gov ID
- NCT07841652
- Sponsor's protocol ID
- UOL/IREB/25/12/0039
- Status last verified
- Sep 2026
- First submitted
- 28 Jun 2026
- Last updated
- 19 Oct 2026
- Results posted
- No
- Data monitoring committee
- No
- FDA-regulated drug
- No
- FDA-regulated device
- No
- Individual data sharing
- No
Study at a glance
From the registry record, last updated by the sponsor on 19 Oct 2026. Recruitment status is as the sponsor reported it: confirm with the study team.
- Official title
- Scapular Stabilization Exercises Versus Proprioceptive Neuromuscular Facilitation Technique in Scapular Dyskinesis Among Office Workers
- ClinicalTrials.gov ID
- NCT07841652
- Acronym / sponsor ID
- UOL/IREB/25/12/0039
- Conditions
- Scapular Dyskinesis
- Keywords
- Scapular dyskinesis, Office workers, Scapular stabilization exercises, proprioceptive neuromuscular facilitation, pain, disability, range of motion, scapular motor control
- Study type
- Interventional
- Recruitment status
- Active, not recruiting
- Enrolment
- 86 participants (estimated)
- Lead sponsor
- University of LahoreUniversity, hospital or other
- Study start
- 15 Nov 2025 (actual)
- Primary completion
- 15 Oct 2026 (estimated)
- Study completion
- 20 Nov 2026 (estimated)
- First posted
- 25 Sep 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.
Office workers, typically engaged in administrative or professional roles, are increasingly susceptible to scapular dyskinesis (SD). Poor ergonomic setups at workstations have been identified as a major contributing factor to musculoskeletal discomfort in this population. Scapular stabilization and neuromuscular training have shown efficacy in improving scapular mechanics. However, direct comparisons of these interventions in office worker populations remain limited. To address this knowledge gap, a randomized clinical trial was conducted to directly compare the two treatment approaches. Outcome measures included the Disabilities of the Arm, Shoulder and Hand (DASH) questionnaire, Numeric Pain Rating Scale (NPRS), Scapular Assistance Test (SAT), Visual Scapular Dyskinesis Test, digital inclinometer, and digital vernier caliper to determine which method is more effective in reducing pain, disability, and improving ROM, and scapular kinematic and neuromuscular control in office workers with Scapular Dyskinesis.
Detailed description
Scapular dyskinesis is a common musculoskeletal disorder characterized by abnormal movement or positioning of the scapula (shoulder blade). This condition is commonly associated with prolonged sedentary work, poor ergonomic practices, and sustained postures. Office workers who use computers for prolonged periods are increasingly experiencing neck and shoulder pain. Poor ergonomic setups at workstations have been identified as a major contributing factor to musculoskeletal discomfort in this population. Studies have shown that using a keyboard for 4 to 6 hours per day significantly increases the risk of developing neck and shoulder pain compared with less frequent computer use. Furthermore, many office workers adopt a forward head posture for extended periods, which places stress on the soft tissues of the cervical spine. Prolonged stress can negatively affect shoulder and scapular function, often resulting in alterations in normal scapular movement. Scapular stabilization exercises are designed to improve scapular position and control, while proprioceptive neuromuscular facilitation (PNF) training focuses on coordinated scapular movements and muscle activation. The purpose of this randomized controlled trial is to compare the effectiveness of scapular stabilization exercises with proprioceptive neuromuscular activation training in office workers with scapular dyskinesis. The primary outcomes of the study include pain and functional disability. Secondary outcomes include shoulder range of motion (ROM), scapular movement, and scapular positioning. The findings of this study may provide evidence regarding the effectiveness of scapular stabilization and proprioceptive neuromuscular activation training for improving pain, shoulder range of motion, functional ability, scapular kinematics and neuromuscular in office workers with scapular dyskinesis.
Study design
- Primary purpose
- Treatment
- Allocation
- Randomised
- Intervention model
- Parallel groups
- Masking
- Single blind (outcomes assessor)
- Number of arms
- 2
| Arm | Type | Receives |
|---|---|---|
| Scapular Stabilization + Proprioceptive Neuromuscular Facilitation Group | Experimental | Other: Scapular Stabilization Exercises+ Proprioceptive Neuromuscular FacilitationParticipants in this arm received scapular stabilization exercises combined with proprioceptive neuromuscular facilitation (PNF) and moist heat. Each 55-minute session consisted of 10 minutes of moist heat, 25 minutes of scapular stabilization exercises, and 20 minutes of PNF training. Treatment will be administered three sessions per week for six weeks, for a total of 18 sessions. |
| Scapular Stabilization Group | Active comparator | Other: Patient engagement through warm-up and Scapular Stabilization exercisesParticipants in this arm received scapular stabilization exercises combined with warm-up and mobility exercises and moist heat. Each 55-minute session consisted of 10 minutes of moist heat, 20 minutes of warm-up and mobility exercises, and 25 minutes of scapular stabilization exercises. Treatment will be administered three sessions per week for six weeks, for a total of 18 sessions. |
Who may qualify
- Ages
- 20 to 55 years
- Sex
- All
- Healthy volunteers
- Not accepted
- Age groups
- Adult
Key inclusion criteria (4 listed)
- • Both male and females
Key exclusion criteria (3 listed)
- • Orthopedic upper-extremity injury in last 3 weeks; prior shoulder/upper-limb surgery.
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 |
|---|---|---|
| Scapular Stabilization Exercises+ Proprioceptive Neuromuscular FacilitationThe group received standard conventional treatment consisting of a moist heating pad applied for 10 minutes, followed by 25 minutes of scapular stabilization exercises and 20 minutes of proprioceptive neuromuscular facilitation. Treatment was administered three times per week for six weeks. The scapular stabilization component included prone Y, T, and W raises performed in a prone position, with the arms elevated approximately 10-15 cm while maintaining scapular retraction and depression. Participants performed 3 sets of 10-12 repetitions with a 2-second pause. Scapular push-ups were performed from a prone plank position with active scapular protraction for 3 sets of 8-10 repetitions. Wall-slide elevation with mirror feedback was performed for 3 sets of 12-15 repetitions while maintaining scapular control. Resistance-band rows were performed for 12-15 repetitions. Scapular D1 and D2 PNF patterns were performed with light manual resistance, 3 sets of 8-10 reps with 5-second holds. | Other | Scapular Stabilization + Proprioceptive Neuromuscular Facilitation Group |
| Patient engagement through warm-up and Scapular Stabilization exercisesPatients performed low-intensity engagement exercises to improve adherence, relaxation, and patient comfort during rehabilitation sessions. These activities included wall climbing (finger ladder/wall stair exercises), pendulum exercises, shoulder rolls, active shoulder range-of-motion exercises, pectoralis stretching, and thoracic mobility exercises performed within a pain-free range. Application of moist heating pad for 10 minutes. , 20 minutes of patient engagement+25 min scapular stabilization. 3 sessions per week for 6 weeks. The scapular stabilization exercises included Prone Y/T/W raises performed in prone position, with the arms raised 10-15 cm to create T, Y (thumbs up), and W positions while maintaining scapular retraction and depression. Participants performed 3 sets of 10-12 repetitions, with a 2-second pause. Scapular push-ups were performed from a prone plank position with engaged scapular protraction for 3 sets of 8-10 reps. Wall-slide elevation with mirror feedback. | Other | Scapular Stabilization Group |
Primary outcome
Pain intensity
Time frame: At baseline, at 3rd week and at 6th week.
Pain intensity (Numeric Pain Rating Scale, NPRS; 0-10), 0 indicates no pain and 10 indicates the worst pain.
Upper extremity functional disability
Time frame: at baseline, at 3rd week and at 6th week.
(Disabilities of the Arm, Shoulder and Hand questionnaire - DASH), Scores range from 0 to 100, where 0 indicates no disability (better function) and 100 indicates the greatest disability (worse function).
4 secondary outcomes
Shoulder range of motion (ROM)
Time frame: at baseline, at 3rd week and at 6th week
Scapular kinematics
Time frame: at baseline ,at 3rd week and at 6th week.
Neuromuscular control
Time frame: at baseline, at 3rd week and at 6th week.
Neuromuscular Control
Time frame: at baseline, 3rd week and at 6th week.
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 19 Oct 2026.
- 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. This study is not recruiting at the moment.
Sahreen Anwar, Ph.D study chair
University of Lahore
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+ Proprioceptive Neuromuscular Facilitation and Patient engagement through warm-up and Scapular Stabilization exercises in people with Scapular Dyskinesis, run by University of Lahore 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 4 inclusion and 3 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: under way, not looking for participants, as of the sponsor's last update on 19 Oct 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?
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?
Pain intensity (time frame: At baseline, at 3rd week and at 6th week.). The study lists 2 primary outcomes in all. It is what the study was designed to measure, not a finding.
Where can I read the original study information?
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 19 Oct 2026.