Influence of External Scapular Stabilization on the Isometric Strength of Shoulder Flexor in the Sitting Position in Subjects with Scapular Winging

Abstract

Purpose: The purpose of this study was to compare the influence of external scapular stabilization on the isometric strength of shoulder flexor muscle in subjects with and without scapular winging and conditions with and without external scapular stabilization. Methods: A total of 30 subjects with and without scapular winging were enrolled. Two groups were classified using clinical and diag-nostic tests to divide the groups with and without scapular winging (15 with scapular winging 15 without scapular winging). The isometric strength of the shoulder flexor was measured using a tensiometer. The isometric strength was evaluated in the sitting position with and without an external scapular stabilization. The external scapular stabilization was provided with the examiner’s hand to fix scapular winging during shoulder flexion. The changing value was calculated to determine the isometric strength difference between shoulder flexion with and without the external scapular stabilization in each group. The changing value between isometric strength of shoulder flexor with and without scapular winging was compared using the independent t-test. Statistical significance was set at 0.05. Results: In the group with scapular winging, the shoulder flexor isometric strength in the sitting position was greater with an external scapular stabilization than without an external scapular stabilization (p<0.05). There was no significant difference in the shoulder flexor isometric strength in the subjects without scapular winging between conditions with or without an external scapular stabilization (p>0.05). Conclusion: The external scapular stabilization in the individuals with scapular winging may increase shoulder flexor isometric strength in the sitting position.