Effect of Scapular Upward Rotation Exercises on Brachial Plexus Mechano Sensitivity in Subjects with Depressed Scapular Alignment

Author(s):

Doha H Al Afify*, Ragia Kamel and Amr S Shalaby

The current study aimed to assess the effect of upward rotation exercises on brachial plexus mechano sensitivity in depressed scapular alignment subjects. Thirty subjects classified as depressed scapular alignment were recruited in this study through a screening test into a pre-test post-test single group experimental design. Mechano sensitivity was assessed pre-test and post-test through application of sensory and motor strength-duration curve tests on the nerve to trapezius and upper limb neuro dynamic test assessing symptoms response in terms of pain intensity and quality. All measures were performed on the scapula classified previously as depressed following the same order. All patients received intervention in the form of scapular upward rotation exercises for 6 weeks, 3 days per week. As compared to pre-treatment values, there was a significant increase in post-treatment sensory and motor Rheobase values and a significant decrease in post-treatment sensory and motor Chronaxie values (p<0.001). In the upper limb neuro dynamic test, there was a significant decrease in pain intensity of median, ulnar and radial nerves post- treatment compared with that of pre-treatment (p<0.001). There was a significant improvement in pain quality of median, ulnar and radial nerves post-treatment as compared to that of pre-treatment (p<0.001). These results suggest that scapular upward rotation exercises reduce irritability of neural tissues in subjects with scapular depression alignment.