Scapular Repositioning for Neck Pain and Scapular Dysfunction

NCT07083570 | Completed

• 1 other identifier: HREC-UP-HSST 1.2/073/68
• Study Type: interventional
• Target: 78
• Locations: 1 country
• Sites: 1

Brief Summary

This randomized controlled trial is designed to evaluate the effects of scapular repositioning in individuals with neck pain and scapular dysfunction. The main questions it aims to answer are:

1. 1.Does scapular repositioning reduce neck pain, increase range of motion, and improve joint position sense and pressure pain threshold?
2. 2.Which type of scapular repositioning technique is more effective?
3. 3.Active scapular repositioning: The examiner will first passively position the scapula in a neutral position on the posterior chest wall. The participant will then be instructed to actively maintain that position for 10 seconds. This procedure will be repeated for 10 repetitions, with a 10-second rest interval between each repetition.
4. 4.Passive scapular repositioning: The examiner will passively position and hold the scapula in a neutral position for 10 seconds. This procedure will be repeated for 10 repetitions, with a 10-second rest interval between each repetition.
5. 5.Sham scapular repositioning (control): The examiner will perform gentle shoulder movements that do not alter scapular positioning. Each movement will be held for 10 seconds, repeated 10 times, with a 10-second rest interval between repetitions.

Conditions

Neck Pain; Scapular Dyskinesis

Keywords

Neck pain; Scapular dysfunction; Scapular repositioning; Exercise; Intervention

Outcome Measures

Primary Outcomes (4)

• Neck pain intensity

  Neck pain intensity measured by the Visual Analog Scale (VAS; 0-100 mm, where higher scores indicate worse pain).

  Baseline, immediately after the intervention and at 30 minutes post-intervention

• Cervical range of motion

  Cervical range of motion measured using a goniometer in flexion, extension, left and right lateral flexion, and left and right rotation (measured in degrees).

  Baseline, immediately after the intervention and at 30 minutes post-intervention

• Cervical and shoulder proprioception

  Cervical joint position error (JPE) measured using a laser pointer mounted on a headband at the center of the head during blindfolded active extension and left/right rotation. Shoulder joint position error (JPE) measured using a laser pointer placed proximal to the lateral epicondyle during blindfolded active shoulder flexion and abduction. An absolute error between starting and return positions will be recorded in millimeters and converted to degrees. Higher values indicate greater impairment.

  Baseline, immediately after the intervention and at 30 minutes post-intervention

• Pressure pain threshold at upper trapezius and levator scapulae muscles

  Pressure pain threshold (PPT) measured by algometer; values recorded in Newtons (N), with lower scores indicating greater pain sensitivity (worse outcome).

  Baseline, immediately after the intervention and at 30 minutes post-intervention

Study Arms (3)

Active scapular repositioning

EXPERIMENTAL

Self-active scapular repositioning exercise

Behavioral: Active scapular repositioning

Passive scapular repositioning

EXPERIMENTAL

Therapist-assisted scapular repositioning

Procedure: Passive scapular repositioning

Sham scapular repositioning

SHAM COMPARATOR

Sham scapular repositioning procedure

Procedure: Sham scapular repositioning

Interventions

Active scapular repositioning BEHAVIORAL

The examiner will first passively position the participant's scapula in a neutral position on the posterior chest wall. The participant will then be instructed to actively maintain that position.

Active scapular repositioning

Passive scapular repositioning PROCEDURE

The examiner will passively position and hold the participant's scapula in a neutral position.

Passive scapular repositioning

Sham scapular repositioning PROCEDURE

The examiner will perform gentle shoulder girdle movements that do not alter scapular positioning.

Sham scapular repositioning

Eligibility Criteria

• Age: 18 Years - 59 Years
• Sex: all
• Healthy Volunteers: No
• Age Groups: Adult (18-64)

You may qualify if:

• Chronic idiopathic neck pain for ≥3 months
• An average pain intensity over the past week ≥3 mm on a Visual Analogue Scale (VAS)
• A current score of at least 10/100 on the Neck Disability Index-Thai version
• Having altered scapular alignment ipsilateral to the more painful side of neck pain

You may not qualify if:

• History of neck injury or surgery
• History of shoulder girdle pain, fracture, surgery or dislocation
• History of neurological conditions (e.g. stroke, Parkinson's disease, brachial plexus injury)
• History of marked spinal abnormalities (e.g. kyphosis, scoliosis) and other musculoskeletal conditions that could affect the scapular movement (e.g. myofascial pain syndrome, fibromyalgia, inflammatory joint disease, and/or autoimmune diseases)
• Have participated in any specific training of the neck or shoulder girdle muscles in the last 6 months

Sponsors & Collaborators

• University of Phayao: lead

Study Sites (1)

School of Allied Health Sciences, University of Phayao

Phayao, Changwat Phayao, 56000, Thailand

Location

MeSH Terms

Conditions

Neck Pain; Motor Activity

Condition Hierarchy (Ancestors)

Pain; Neurologic Manifestations; Signs and Symptoms; Pathological Conditions, Signs and Symptoms; Behavior

Study Design

• Study Type: interventional
• Phase: not applicable
• Allocation: RANDOMIZED
• Masking: DOUBLE
• Who Masked: PARTICIPANT, OUTCOMES ASSESSOR
• Purpose: TREATMENT
• Intervention Model: PARALLEL
• Sponsor Type: OTHER
• Responsible Party: PRINCIPAL INVESTIGATOR
• PI Title: Lecturer

Model Details: 1. Active scapular repositioning 2. Passive scapular repositioning 3. Sham scapular repositioning (control)

Study Record Dates

• First Submitted: June 27, 2025
• First Posted: July 24, 2025
• Study Start: April 20, 2025
• Primary Completion: December 19, 2025
• Study Completion: December 19, 2025
• Last Updated: March 31, 2026

Record last verified: 2026-03

Data Sharing

• IPD Sharing: Will not share

Locations

TH (1)