This randomized controlled trial is designed to evaluate the effects of scapular repositioning in individuals with neck pain and scapular dysfunction. The main questions it aims to answer are: 1. Does scapular repositioning reduce neck pain, increase range of motion, and improve joint position sense and pressure pain threshold? 2. Which type of scapular repositioning technique is more effective? Participants will be randomly assigned to one of three groups: 1. Active scapular repositioning: The examiner will first passively position the scapula in a neutral position on the posterior chest wall. The participant will then be instructed to actively maintain that position for 10 seconds. This procedure will be repeated for 10 repetitions, with a 10-second rest interval between each repetition. 2. Passive scapular repositioning: The examiner will passively position and hold the scapula in a neutral position for 10 seconds. This procedure will be repeated for 10 repetitions, with a 10-second rest interval between each repetition. 3. Sham scapular repositioning (control): The examiner will perform gentle shoulder movements that do not alter scapular positioning. Each movement will be held for 10 seconds, repeated 10 times, with a 10-second rest interval between repetitions. All participants will undergo pre- and post-intervention assessments (immediately after the intervention and at 30 minutes post-intervention). The primary outcomes include neck pain intensity, cervical range of motion, cervical and shoulder proprioception, and pressure pain threshold. All outcomes will be compared between groups and across time points (pre- and post-intervention).
Study Type
INTERVENTIONAL
Allocation
RANDOMIZED
Purpose
TREATMENT
Masking
DOUBLE
Enrollment
78
The examiner will first passively position the participant's scapula in a neutral position on the posterior chest wall. The participant will then be instructed to actively maintain that position.
The examiner will passively position and hold the participant's scapula in a neutral position.
The examiner will perform gentle shoulder girdle movements that do not alter scapular positioning.
School of Allied Health Sciences, University of Phayao
Phayao, Changwat Phayao, Thailand
RECRUITINGNeck pain intensity
Neck pain intensity measured by the Visual Analog Scale (VAS; 0-100 mm, where higher scores indicate worse pain).
Time frame: Baseline, immediately after the intervention and at 30 minutes post-intervention
Cervical range of motion
Cervical range of motion measured using a goniometer in flexion, extension, left and right lateral flexion, and left and right rotation (measured in degrees).
Time frame: Baseline, immediately after the intervention and at 30 minutes post-intervention
Cervical and shoulder proprioception
Cervical joint position error (JPE) measured using a laser pointer mounted on a headband at the center of the head during blindfolded active extension and left/right rotation. Shoulder joint position error (JPE) measured using a laser pointer placed proximal to the lateral epicondyle during blindfolded active shoulder flexion and abduction. An absolute error between starting and return positions will be recorded in millimeters and converted to degrees. Higher values indicate greater impairment.
Time frame: Baseline, immediately after the intervention and at 30 minutes post-intervention
Pressure pain threshold at upper trapezius and levator scapulae muscles
Pressure pain threshold (PPT) measured by algometer; values recorded in Newtons (N), with lower scores indicating greater pain sensitivity (worse outcome).
Time frame: Baseline, immediately after the intervention and at 30 minutes post-intervention
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