Evaluation of the Effect of Home Exercises and Posture Corrector Use on Scapula Height and Functional Outcomes in Chronic Shoulder Pain and Subacromial Impingement Syndrome: A Study at a Family Health Center

Basar Basci, Gizem Limnili, Nilgun Ozcakar

Keywords: Shoulder Pain, Home Exercise, Posture Correction

Background:

Shoulder pain is a common complaint, associated with subacromial impingement and scapulothoracic dysfunction. These can affect shoulder stability, leading to pain and functional limitations. Scapula height is critical for shoulder mechanics and function, making the evaluation of scapulothoracic movements important. This study aims to examine the effect of home exercises and posture corrector use on scapula height in patients with chronic shoulder pain and subacromial impingement visiting a family health center.

Research questions:

1.How does use of home exercises and a posture corrector impact scapula height and functional outcomes in patients with chronic shoulder pain and subacromial impingement syndrome?
2.Are there significant differences in scapula height and functional outcomes before and after the intervention?
3.What are the patient-reported benefits and challenges of adhering to this approach
4.How do changes in scapula height correlate with improvements in pain and functional limitations in patients undergoing the intervention?
5.Can this intervention be recommended as a standard non-invasive treatment for chronic shoulder pain and subacromial impingement syndrome based on the study findings?

Method:

Fifty patients diagnosed with chronic shoulder pain and subacromial impingement will be included in the study. Patients will follow an individually designed home exercise program for six weeks and use a posture corrector. Before and after treatment, photographs of each patient’s back will be taken, and scapula heights will be measured. Scapula heights will be evaluated through visual analysis and image processing measurement methods, with pre- and post-treatment comparisons. Additionally, ASES and Constant scores will be evaluated pre- and post-treatment for functional scoring.

Results:

This study is at the idea stage; data collection will commence following ethical committee approval.

Conclusions:

This study highlights the potential benefits of home-based exercises and posture correction in improving scapula mechanics and shoulder function. These findings could inform clinical practice, offering a non-invasive and cost-effective approach to managing chronic shoulder conditions.

Points for discussion:

Efficacy of Home Exercises and Posture Correctors

Scapula Height Measurement Techniques

Patient Adherence and Compliance

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