How common scapular dyskinesis is among Egyptian physical therapists
PREVALENCE OF SCAPULAR DYSKINESIS AMONG PHYSICAL THERAPY PRACTITIONERS AN EPIDEMIOLOGICAL STUDY
This project will test how common scapular dyskinesis is in licensed Egyptian physical therapists aged 27–40 and whether it's linked to age, sex, BMI, shoulder/neck symptoms, or scapular muscle strength.
Quick facts
| Study type | Observational |
|---|---|
| Enrollment | 121 (estimated) |
| Ages | 27 Years to 40 Years |
| Sex | All |
| Sponsor | Cairo University Academic / other |
| Locations | 1 site (Cairo) |
| Trial ID | NCT07123532 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
What this trial studies
This cross-sectional observational study will enroll 121 licensed Egyptian physical therapists aged 27 to 40 and divide them into three age groups. Each participant will undergo the Scapular Dyskinesis Test (SDT) and the Lateral Scapular Slide Test (LSST), pain will be rated with a visual analog scale, and musculoskeletal symptoms will be recorded with the Nordic Musculoskeletal Questionnaire. Examiners will also measure shoulder range of motion and the strength of serratus anterior and middle and lower trapezius muscles; analysis will include chi-square testing for associations. The study is scheduled for October 2024–January 2025 and has ethical approval from the Faculty of Physical Therapy, Cairo University.
Who should consider this trial
Good fit: Ideal participants are licensed Egyptian physical therapy practitioners aged 27–40 with at least one year of clinical experience and no current shoulder symptoms who can attend an on-site assessment.
Not a fit: People with recent shoulder or neck injury, prior upper-body surgery, known neurological or musculoskeletal disorders, or who participate in high-load overhead or collision sports are excluded and unlikely to benefit directly from this work.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, the findings could help target prevention and early-strengthening strategies to reduce shoulder problems among clinicians by identifying common risk patterns.
How similar studies have performed: Similar prevalence studies using SDT and LSST have been done in athletes and clinical cohorts, so the methods are established though data specifically in Egyptian physical therapists are limited.
Eligibility criteria
Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria: Licensed physical therapy practitioners actively working in clinical settings (Soliño et al., 2024). Age between 27 and 40 years (Jeong \& Kim, 2023). Minimum of one year of clinical experience or exposure to physical activity (Jeong \& Kim, 2023). No current shoulder pain or symptoms at the time of assessment (Soliño et al., 2024). Willingness to participate and provide informed consent. Exclusion Criteria: Acute shoulder or neck injury within the last month (Jeong \& Kim, 2023). History of upper body orthopedic surgery (Jeong \& Kim, 2023). Known neurological or musculoskeletal disorders affecting shoulder mechanics (Burn et al., 2016). Participation in overhead or collision sports with high scapular loading (Burn et al., 2016). Inability to complete assessment procedures due to physical limitations (Soliño et al., 2024).
Where this trial is running
Cairo
- Faculty of Physical Therapy — Cairo, Egypt (Recruiting)
How to participate
- Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
- Visit the official trial page on ClinicalTrials.gov for the most current contact information and recruitment status.
- Contact the listed study coordinator or principal investigator to request pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.