Effects of Motor Control Retraining and Scapular Stabilization Exercises in Females With Scapular Dyskinesia.

NCT07576426 | Recruiting

• 1 other identifier: REC/RCR & AHS/25/0509
• Study Type: interventional
• Target: 34
• Locations: 1 country
• Sites: 1

Brief Summary

To evaluate the combined effects of motor control retraining and scapular stabilization exercises on pain reduction, muscle strength improvement, and functional enhancement in breastfeeding females diagnosed with scapular dyskinesia, and to determine the effectiveness of this combined approach in addressing their musculoskeletal impairments.

Conditions

Scapular Dyskinesis

Keywords

dyskinesia; breast feeding; women; posture; postpartum

Outcome Measures

Primary Outcomes (3)

• Numeric Pain Rating Scale

  The Numeric Pain Rating Scale (NPRS) is a simple and effective tool used to assess the intensity of pain experienced by an individual. Scoring is typically done on a scale from 0 to 10, where 0 indicates no pain, 1-3 represents mild pain, 4-6 indicates moderate pain, and 7 10 denotes severe to the worst possible pain. This scale provides a quick, reliable, and sensitive measure of pain, making it valuable for both clinical assessment and research purposes.

  8th week

• Manual Muscle Testing

  Manual Muscle Testing (MMT) is a widely used clinical assessment tool to evaluate the strength of individual muscles or muscle groups based on the examiner's application of resistance.Scoring in MMT is typically based on a six-point scale from 0 to 5, where each grade reflects a different level of muscle function

  8th week

• Disabilities of the Arm, Shoulder and Hand (DASH) Questionnaire

  The Disabilities of the Arm, Shoulder and Hand (DASH) Questionnaire is a standardized self-report tool used to measure physical function and symptoms in individuals with upper extremity musculoskeletal disorders. It assesses the impact of arm, shoulder, or hand problems on the ability to perform certain daily activities, as well as the severity of symptoms such as pain, weakness, and stiffness. The DASH is widely used in both clinical practice and research due to its high reliability, validity, and sensitivity to changes in upper limb function

  8th week

Study Arms (2)

motor control retraining & scapular stabilization exercises

EXPERIMENTAL

Motor control retraining is a specialized therapeutic approach designed to restore proper movement patterns by enhancing the coordination, timing, and sequencing of muscle activation. These exercises perform in Supine line, prone line \& side lying position.Scapular stabilization exercises can be effectively performed in clinical physiotherapy settings, home environments, or fitness centers, depending on the patient's comfort, supervision needs, and availability of equipment such as resistance bands or light dumbbells.

Other: motor control retraining; Other: scapular stabilization exercises

motor control retraining

ACTIVE COMPARATOR

Motor control retraining is a specialized therapeutic approach designed to restore proper movement patterns by enhancing the coordination, timing, and sequencing of muscle activation

Other: motor control retraining

Interventions

motor control retraining OTHER

the motor control retraining protocol will be performed three times per week, with each session lasting approximately 30 to 45 minutes. The intensity remains low. Th type of activity consists of targeted motor control exercises focusing on the scapula and shoulder girdle. Over a period of eight weeks, participants will complete about 24 sessions in total

motor control retraining; motor control retraining & scapular stabilization exercises

scapular stabilization exercises OTHER

Frequency refers to performing the exercises 3 times per week, Intensity involves using low to moderate resistance (resistance bands or light weights), adjusted as the patient's strength improves, Time consists of 2 to 3 sets of 10-15 repetitions for each exercise, Type includes specific movements targeting the scapular stabilizers, such as wall slides, scapular retractions, serratus punches, prone Y and T exercises, and dynamic hugs.

motor control retraining & scapular stabilization exercises

Eligibility Criteria

• Age: 20 Years - 40 Years
• Gender Eligibility Details: breast feeding females with scapular dyskinesia.
• Healthy Volunteers: Yes
• Age Groups: Adult (18-64)

You may qualify if:

• Currently breastfeeding (minimum 3 months postpartum)
• Diagnosed with scapular dyskinesia (clinical tests such as the scapular dyskinesis test)
• Complaints of shoulder or upper back pain during or after breastfeeding

You may not qualify if:

• History of shoulder surgery or recent trauma to the shoulder or spine
• Neurological disorders affecting upper limb function (cervical radiculopathy).
• Musculoskeletal conditions unrelated to scapular dyskinesia (rotator cuff tear, frozen shoulder)
• Participation in any shoulder rehabilitation program in the past 3 months.
• Contraindications to exercise (severe cardiopulmonary conditions or acute infections).

Sponsors & Collaborators

• Riphah International University: lead

Study Sites (1)

Gangaram Hospital

Lahore, Punjab Province, 6400, Pakistan

RECRUITING

Related Publications (5)

• Lafrance S, Ouellet P, Alaoui R, Roy J-S, Lewis J, Christiansen DH, et al. Motor control exercises compared to strengthening exercises for upper-and lower-extremity musculoskeletal disorders: a systematic review with meta-analyses of randomized controlled trials. Physical Therapy. 2021;101(7):pzab072.

  BACKGROUND

• da Silva Araújo G, Monteiro ER, da Silva Telles LG, de Almeida RA, Evangelista AL, Leitão L, et al. Acute effect of stretching performed before a resistance exercise session using different intervals on maximum repetitions performance in recreationally trained adults. Retos: nuevas tendencias en educación física, deporte y recreación. 2024(52):304-10.

  BACKGROUND

• Shaik A, Khan S, Shaik A, Shaik KK, Khan MS. Advancements in Postpartum Rehabilitation: A Systematic Review. Cureus. 2024;16(8)

  BACKGROUND

• Peteraitis T, Smedes F. Scapula motor control training with Proprioceptive Neuromuscular Facilitation in chronic subacromial impingement syndrome: A case report. Journal of Bodywork and Movement Therapies. 2020;24(3):165-71.

  BACKGROUND

• Ratajczak M, Górnowicz R. The influence of breastfeeding factors on the prevalence of back and neck pain: data from an online survey. BMC Musculoskeletal Disorders. 2024;25(1):675.

  BACKGROUND

MeSH Terms

Conditions

Dyskinesias; Breast Feeding

Condition Hierarchy (Ancestors)

Movement Disorders; Central Nervous System Diseases; Nervous System Diseases; Neurologic Manifestations; Signs and Symptoms; Pathological Conditions, Signs and Symptoms; Feeding Behavior; Behavior

Study Officials

• hina gul, PhD*

  Riphah International University

  PRINCIPAL INVESTIGATOR

Central Study Contacts

imran amjad

CONTACT

03324390125; imran.amjad@riphah.edu.pk

Study Design

• Study Type: interventional
• Phase: not applicable
• Allocation: RANDOMIZED
• Masking: SINGLE
• Who Masked: OUTCOMES ASSESSOR
• Purpose: TREATMENT
• Intervention Model: PARALLEL
• Sponsor Type: OTHER
• Responsible Party: SPONSOR

Study Record Dates

• First Submitted: May 4, 2026
• First Posted: May 8, 2026
• Study Start: October 1, 2025
• Primary Completion (Estimated): June 1, 2026
• Study Completion (Estimated): July 1, 2026
• Last Updated: May 8, 2026

Record last verified: 2026-05

Data Sharing

• IPD Sharing: Will not share

Locations

PA (1)