Effects of passive correction of scapular position on pain, proprioception, and range of motion in neck-pain patients with bilateral scapular downward-rotation syndrome

The effects of passive correction of scapular position (PCSPT) on pain, proprioception, and range of motion (ROM) were investigated in neck-pain patients with bilateral scapular downward-rotation (SDR). Fifteen neck-pain patients with bilateral SDR were recruited from a workplace based work-conditioning center. The intensity of pain felt was quantified using a visual analogue scale. Kinematic data for ROM and joint-position error (JPE) were analyzed using a 3-dimensional motion-analysis system. Differences in pain, JPE, and ROM with and without PCSPT were assessed using a paired t-test. PCSPT significantly decreased JPE and neck pain during active neck rotation and significantly increased neck-rotation ROM (p < 0.05). These findings suggest that PCSPT results in decreased neck pain and improved neck-rotation ROM and proprioception during active neck rotation in neck-pain patients with bilateral SDR. (C) 2011 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.