Proprioceptive neuromuscular facilitation for scapular winging and shoulder-girdle stability
The Effects of Proprioceptive Neuromuscular Facilitation on Shoulder Girdle Function and Quality of Life in Individuals With Scapular Winging
NA · Celal Bayar University · NCT07344272
This program will try PNF (proprioceptive neuromuscular facilitation) exercises to improve shoulder girdle function and quality of life in people with bilateral scapular winging.
Quick facts
| Phase | NA |
|---|---|
| Study type | Interventional |
| Enrollment | 50 (estimated) |
| Ages | 20 Years to 40 Years |
| Sex | All |
| Sponsor | Celal Bayar University (other) |
| Locations | 1 site (Manisa) |
| Trial ID | NCT07344272 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
What this trial studies
This randomized controlled trial compares a supervised PNF exercise program to no intervention in adults with bilateral scapular winging. The PNF group will perform scapular diagonal patterns for about 20–30 minutes, three times per week for five weeks, while the control group receives no treatment during the same period. Participants will be evaluated before and after the intervention using measures such as the Scapular Isometric Pinch Test and the Lateral Scapular Slide Test to quantify muscle endurance and scapular positioning. Eligibility requires a scapulometer-measured inferior angle-to-thorax distance ≥2 cm and excludes long thoracic nerve palsy, recent shoulder surgery or acute shoulder injuries, structural scapular/thoracic pathology, or recent regular shoulder rehabilitation.
Who should consider this trial
Good fit: Ideal candidates are people with bilateral scapular winging (inferior-angle distance ≥2 cm) who can attend in-person sessions, have not had recent shoulder surgery or regular scapular rehab, and do not have long thoracic nerve palsy or structural scapular pathology.
Not a fit: Patients with long thoracic nerve palsy, recent shoulder surgery or acute shoulder injuries, scapulothoracic bursitis, fractures, tumors, structural deformities, or those currently receiving regular shoulder/scapular rehabilitation are unlikely to benefit from this protocol.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If effective, PNF could improve scapular positioning, strength, coordination, and daily function, leading to better overall quality of life for people with scapular winging.
How similar studies have performed: PNF techniques have shown benefits for muscle activation and functional gains in some shoulder and neuromuscular conditions, but randomized evidence specifically targeting scapular winging is limited.
Eligibility criteria
Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria: * Volunteering to participate in the study. * Presenting with bilateral scapular winging (Scapular winging will be evaluated by measuring the distance between the inferior angle of the scapula and the thoracic wall using a scapulometer; a distance of ≥2 cm is considered as winging). Exclusion Criteria: * Presence of long thoracic nerve palsy. * Having undergone shoulder surgery within the last 12 months or having an acute shoulder injury (e.g., rotator cuff tear, dislocation, labral pathology, etc.). * Presence of scapulothoracic bursitis, fractures, tumors, or structural deformities in the scapular/thoracic region. * Having received regular scapular or shoulder rehabilitation within the last 6 months.
Where this trial is running
Manisa
- Manisa Celal Bayar University — Manisa, Turkey (Türkiye) (RECRUITING)
Study contacts
- Study coordinator: Erhan Secer, PhD
- Email: erhnscr86@hotmail.com
- Phone: +905557355018
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.
Conditions: Scapular Winging, Functional status, Neuromuscular effect, Proprioceptive neuromuscular facilitation, Quality of life, Scapula