• Korean Journal of Applied Biomechanics
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• v.20 no.2
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• pp.197-204
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• 2010

Scapular position and motion are essential for normal upper limb mobility; Further, the posture of patients with thoracic kyphosis is related to shoulder girdle function and disorder. The purpose of this study was to examine the effects of thoracic posture on the shoulder range of motion and on three-dimensional scapular kinematics. Thirty healthy subjects performed right-arm abduction along the frontal plane while standing in both erect and in slouched trunk posture. The scapular position and rotation, and shoulder and thoracic angles were recorded using a motion analysis system. The scapular upward rotation and internal rotation were significantly altered according to postural tatiges; however, scapular tilt was not affected. Shoulder angle was significantly decreased in the slouched posture as c rpared to tatt in the erect posture. Thus, a slouched posture(thoracic kyphosis) significantly affects the shoulder range of motion and scapular kinematics during shoulder abduction in the frontal plane.

• Physical Therapy Korea
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• v.26 no.4
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• pp.53-62
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• 2019

Background: Shoulder function is achieved by the coordinated movements of the scapula, humerus, and thoracic spine, and shoulder disorders can be associated with altered scapular kinematics. The trunk plays an important role as the kinematic chain during arm elevation. Objects: The purpose of this study was to determine the effects of thoracic hyperkyphosis on scapular orientation and trunk motion. Methods: Thirty-one subjects (15 in the ideal thorax group and 16 in the thoracic hyperkyphosis group) performed right-arm abduction and adduction movements in an unconstrained plane. The scapular orientation and trunk motion were recorded using a motion analysis system. Results: Those subjects with thoracic hyperkyphosis displayed greater scapular posterior tilting at a $120^{\circ}$ shoulder elevation, greater scapular internal rotation throughout the arm raising phase, and greater trunk axial rotation at the upper ranges of the shoulder elevation, compared to those subjects with an ideal thorax (p<.05). Conclusion: Thoracic hyperkyphosis can cause scapular instability, greater trunk rotation and greater scapular posterior tilting, and may contribute to preventing the achievement of a full range of humeral abductions in an unconstrained plane.

• Clinics in Shoulder and Elbow
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• v.12 no.2
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• pp.271-277
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• 2009

Purpose: Scapular dyskinesis is an alteration in the normal position or motion of the scapula during coupled scapulohumeral movements. Vast majority of shoulder pathologies are known to be related with scapular motion abnormalities. Because there being enthusiasm about scapular pathology in recent literatures, understanding scapular dyskinesis seems to be an important subject. The authors describe the importance of scapular abnormality in terms of shoulder pathology. Materials and Methods: Usually the inhibition or disorganization of activation patterns in scapular stabilizing muscles lead to scapular dyskinesis. This motion abnormality has more important values in Elite Athletes because it might be the sign of future shoulder pathology; for example, SLAP and internal impingement. Treatment of scapular dyskinesis is directed at managing underlying causes and restoring normal scapular muscle activation patterns by kinetic chain-based rehabilitation protocols. Treatment is also important to prevent secondary shoulder injuries. Results and Conclusion: Understanding scapular pathology may be the main key to approach to the shoulder pathology. Also treating scapular pathology might be important in preventing secondary shoulder injuries.

• PNF and Movement
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• v.3 no.1
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• pp.47-53
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• 2005

Purpose : To describes the important aspects of scapular movement and function used when applying PNF technique to the upper limb and scapular. Method : The scapular was a very important roles in the upper limb movement. This study summarizes the physiologic movement of scapular to the PNF upper extremity patterns or scapular patterns. Result : The shoulder joint has the most freedom of range of motion in the human body, composed of the glenohumeral joint, the subacromial joint, the acromioclavical joint, the sternoclavicular joint, the scapulothoracic joint, the costosternal joint, and the costovertebral joint. During upper limb movement, the scapular position change at the sternoclavicular joint and the acromioclavical joint. This concerted motion was characterized by scapulohumeral rhythm. In clinical situations, it is import to understand factors affect the scapulohumeral rhythm so that optimal evaluation and therapeutic intervention can be devised. Conclusions : The scapular movement depend on the proper and coordinated contraction of muscles. Physical therapists need to understand the normal scapular movement relationships of the scapulohumeral rhythm under different interventions for PNF techniques application.

• Journal of the Korean Society of Physical Medicine
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• v.12 no.4
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• pp.19-28
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• 2017

PURPOSE: The purpose of this study was to describe the Proprioceptive Neuromuscular Facilitation (PNF) Intervention strategy applied International Classification of Functioning, Disability and Health (ICF) Tool about strength, range of motion, scapular stability, pain and function of shoulder for patients with adhesive capsulitis. METHODS: The data was collected by patient with adhesive capsulitis. The patient was a 50-year-old male diagnosed with right shoulder with adhesive capsulitis. We applied the PNF Intervention strategy applied ICF Tool to patient with adhesive capsulitis. PNF interventions were consisting of such as combination of isotonic and stabilizing reversal technique and various positions. PNF interventions were applied, such as those aiming at decreasing pain and disability and increasing range of motion and function for the four weeks. Parameters of result were collected for strength, range of motion, scapular stability, pain and function of shoulder using the hand held dynamometer, goniometer, lateral scapula slide test, and shoulder pain and disability index, respectively. RESULTS: Clinical benefits were observed the patient with adhesive capsulitis for strength, range of motion, scapular stability, pain, and function of shoulder. The patient with adhesive capsulitis improved strength, range of motion, scapular stability, pain, and function of shoulder. CONCLUSION: Patient reported improved strength, range of motion, scapular stability, pain, and function of shoulder after intervention.

• Journal of the Korean Academy of Clinical Electrophysiology
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• v.10 no.2
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• pp.23-29
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• 2012

Purpose : Purpose of this study was to investigate whether cervicothoracic posture was associated with scapula orientation and muscle activity during shoulder abduction. Methods : Cervicothoracic junction angle and thoracic kyphosis angle were measured in health twenty subjects. Then, scapular resting orientation and range of motion (upward/downward rotation, internal/external rotation) and muscle activity (upper trapezius, lower trapezius, serratus anterior) was determined using motion capture system and surface electromyography while subjects performed shoulder abduction. Results : Cervicothoracic junction angle was significantly associated with range of motion of scapular internal/external rotation during shoulder abduction. Thoracic kyphosis angle was significantly associated with scapular resting orientation of upward/downward rotation and average IEMG of lower trapezius. Conclusion : The result of this study shows that poor cervicothoracic posture is relationship with altered scapular kinematics cause of shoulder dysfunction. These findings suggested that cervicothoracic posture may be considered in occupation and exercise including arm elevation over head as well as used as predict factor to estimate shoulder dysfunction.

• Clinics in Shoulder and Elbow
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• v.26 no.2
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• pp.148-155
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• 2023

Background: Although visual examination and palpation are used to assess shoulder motion in clinical practice, there is no consensus on shoulder motion under dynamic and static conditions. This study aimed to compare shoulder joint motion under dynamic and static conditions. Methods: The dominant arm of 14 healthy adult males was investigated. Electromagnetic sensors attached to the scapular, thorax, and humerus were used to measure three-dimensional shoulder joint motion under dynamic and static elevation conditions and compare scapular upward rotation and glenohumeral joint elevation in different elevation planes and angles. Results: At 120° of elevation in the scapular and coronal planes, the scapular upward rotation angle was higher in the static condition and the glenohumeral joint elevation angle was higher in the dynamic condition (P<0.05). In scapular plane and coronal plane elevation 90°-120°, the angular change in scapular upward rotation was higher in the static condition and the angular change in scapulohumeral joint elevation was higher in the dynamic condition (P<0.05). No differences were found in shoulder joint motion in the sagittal plane elevation between the dynamic and static conditions. No interaction effects were found between elevation condition and elevation angle in all elevation planes. Conclusions: Differences in shoulder joint motion should be noted when assessing shoulder joint motion in different dynamic and static conditions.

• The Journal of Korean Academy of Orthopedic Manual Physical Therapy
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• v.23 no.2
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• pp.69-74
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• 2017

Background: To compare the effects of scapular stabilization exercise on the range of motion, pain, and function in the shoulders of women with breast cancer surgery. Methods: Fifteen patients were performed scapular stabilizing training using dumbbells for 30 minutes daily, five times per week for 4 weeks. The range of motion, pain, and function in the shoulder were assessed. Goniometer was used for ROM of shoulder external rotation. Shoulder pain and disability index was used for pain and function of shoulder. Comparison of the pre and post intervention was calculated by a paired t-test. Results: After 4 weeks of training, range of motion, pain and function in the shoulder improved significantly in patients with breast cancer surgery (p<.05). Conclusion: These findings indicate the more favorable effects from scapular stabilization exercise in patients with breast cancer surgery.

• The Journal of Korean Physical Therapy
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• v.34 no.4
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• pp.140-148
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• 2022

Purpose: The purpose of this study was to investigate the effects of the scapulothoracic mobilization on subject with lateral epicondylalgia. This was done through lateral slide scapular test, grip strength, visual analogue scale, glenohumeral joint external rotation range of motion. Methods: Before the experiment, Lateral slide scapular test, grip strength, visual analogue scale, glenohumeral joint external rotation range of motion were measured. Scapulothoracic joint mobilization was applied and then measurements were taken again to compared the changes. Results: After applying the scapulothoracic joint mobilization, lateral slide scapular test, grip strength, visual analogue scale, glenohumeral joint external rotation range of motion significantly improved. Conclusion: This study found that the scapulothoracic mobilization was effective in improving functional aspects and pain on subject with lateral epicondylalgia. The results suggest that the scapulothoracic joint mobilization is a significant considered intervention method that could be used for subject with lateral epicondylalgia.

• PNF and Movement
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• v.19 no.1
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• pp.19-29
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• 2021

Purpose: This study aimed to compare the effects of a four-week scapular stabilization exercise program using the PNF technique on scapular symmetry and range of flexion motion (ROM), pain, function, and quality of life (QOL) in post-mastectomy women with breast cancer. Methods: This study included 20 women divided into an experimental group (n = 10) and a control group (n = 10). All patients performed complex decongestive physiotherapy for 40 min daily, five times per week for four weeks. The experimental group performed the extra scapular stabilizing exercise program using the PNF technique for 50 min daily, five times per week for four weeks. Scapular symmetry, shoulder flexion ROM, pain and function, and QOL were subsequently assessed. For ROM measurement, the range of shoulder flexion was measured using a clinometer smart phone application; the pain of the shoulder was measured using the visual analogue scale (VAS); the scapular position was measured using a lateral scapular slide test (LSST); the level of pain and functional activity was measured using the Shoulder Pain and Disability Index (SPADI); and the QOL was measured using Functional Assessment of Cancer Therapy-Breast. Results: There were significant differences in shoulder flexion ROM, VAS, SPADI, and LSST 0˚ and 45˚ when the experimental group was compared with the control group (p < 0.05). After the intervention, there was an improved within-group change in the ROM, SPADI, LSST, and QOL in both the experimental and control groups. Conclusion: These findings suggest that a scapular stabilization exercise program using the PNF technique may be used as a possible treatment option for post-mastectomy women with breast cancer that aims to improve scapular position, shoulder ROM and function, and QOL.