Table 2 Scapular stabilization exercise
Exercise | Description | Intensity and frequency | Figure |
|---|---|---|---|
PM stretching | a. Subject is standing, the affected arm positioned at wall with elbow flexion into 90°; subject performs stretching with leaning forward. b. Subject stands at table and places hands on the edge of the table for support, then performs stretching with squat slowly. | Intensity: It depends on the subjective feeling of the patient—the patient feels slightly tired and slightly shortness of breath (RPE range 11 to 15). Stretching exercise: Each is repeated for 3 times. Strengthening exercise: Each active exercise is progressed from 10 reps*3 sets to 15 reps*3 sets. If subject easily completed 15 reps*3 sets of active exercise, they will go on to resisted exercise. Heavier resistance will be given when the patient can easily complete the lower resistance. Frequency: once a day, for 6 weeks. Time: Stretching exercise: stretch for 5 abdominal breaths at one time, with a 1-min interval between times. Strengthening exercise: the duration of muscle contraction is around 5 seconds, with a 1-min interval between sets. | a. b. |
TM stretching | Subject is standing, slowly performs flexion of the shoulder |
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UT stretching | Subject is sitting, with the affected hand pressed under the buttock; subject tips head to the healthy side, and then rotates to the affected side; subject performs stretching with slowly lowering head. |
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LS stretching | Subject is sitting, with the affected hand pressed under the buttock; subject tips head to the healthy side, and then rotates to the healthy side; subject performs stretching with slowly lowering head. |
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SA strengthening | Stage 1: active exercise Subject is standing, with shoulder flexion into 90°; subject slowly performs scapular protraction (A) and retraction (B). Stage 2: resisted exercise Subject is standing, holding the elastic band, with shoulder in 90°of forward flexion; subject slowly performs scapular protraction (A) and retraction (B). | Active exercise
(A) (B) Resisted exercise:
(A) (B) | |
MT< strengthening | Stage 1: active exercise Exercise starts with the individual in the side-lying position with the shoulder in neutral position and elbow flexed to 90°(A). Perform external rotation of the shoulder with a towel between the elbow and trunk(B). Avoid compensatory movements. Stage 2: resisted exercise The dumbbell as resistance for this exercise, other details are the same as the active exercise. | Active exercise:
(A)
(B) Resisted exercise:
(A)
(B) | |
RM strengthening | Stage 1: active exercise Sitting, take a deep breath and extend the shoulders back and pull the elbows back, bringing the scapula as close to the spine as possible, hold for 5 seconds, then slowly return to the starting position while exhaling. Stage 2: resisted exercise Subject is sitting, both hands holding the elastic band fixed in front of the body, other details are the same as the above active exercise. | Active exercise:
Resisted exercise:
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