Effects of Low-intensity Scapular Stabilization Exercise in Arthroscopic Shoulder Surgery Patients

Purpose: The purpose of this study was to compare a control group and an experimental group, consisting of arthroscopic shoulder surgery patients who had received acute rehabilitation treatment and who were to perform scapular stabilization exercise. Methods: Sixteen subjects were studied. The control group, n=8, received instruction for basic physical therapy intervention. An experimental group, n=8, received instruction for doing scapular stabilization exercise (protraction, retraction, elevation, depression) 10 times, 6 times per week. To evaluate the effects of exercise, subjects were evaluated using a joint position sense of shoulder (JPS), disability of the arm, shoulder index (DASH), shoulder pain and disability index (SPADI). Results: Participants showed after the intervention, both groups saw their JPS errors at $30^{\circ}$, $60^{\circ}$, and $90^{\circ}$ significantly decrease relative to before the intervention (p<0.05). Both groups saw their JPS rates at $90^{\circ}$ significantly decrease (p<0.05), with no significant changes in JPS at $30^{\circ}$ and $60^{\circ}$ (p>0.05). SPADI and DASH significantly decrease after the intervention (p<0.05), with no significant decreases before the intervention (p>0.05). The change rates of SPADI and DASH significantly reduced (p<0.05). Conclusion: Low-intensity scapular stabilization exercise is considered effective as a clinical treatment for arthroscopic shoulder surgery patients who receive acute rehabilitation treatment.