Scapular dyskinesis and risk of future shoulder pain
The authors of this review found that the presence of scapular dyskinesis (SD) at baseline increased the risk of developing shoulder pain within 9 to 24 months by 43%.
A total of 35% of athletes with SD complained of shoulder pain during the follow up period, compared to only 25% in athletes without SD.
It is suggested that evaluating for SD should be a part of risk factor screening.
Shoulder pain is a common complaint in swimming, overhead and racket sports. SD has been associated with a number of shoulder conditions, mainly due to changes in rotator cuff activity. It is known that SD is highly prevalent in overhead athletes, but little information is available from prospective studies.
A literature search resulted in 5 studies included in the review with a total of 419 athletic participants. Study quality was assessed using the Downs and Black checklist. A dichotomous analysis of shoulder pain and SD was performed. Other outcome measures included various shoulder-related scales.
Meta-analysis of the selected studies revealed that asymptomatic athletes with scapular dyskinesis have a 43% greater risk of developing shoulder pain over a 9 to 24-month follow-up period.
Results should, however, be interpreted with caution due to high confidence interval variance, methodological heterogeneity and study risk of bias.
Still, the authors recommend screening for SD as part of the shoulder examination in athletes.
Want to read the full text? You can find the free online version here!
> From: Hickey et al., Br J Sports Med 52 (2018-02-18 20:39:24) 102-110. All rights reserved to BMJ Publishing Group Ltd. Click here for the online summary.
