• The Journal of Korean Physical Therapy
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• v.33 no.5
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• pp.252-257
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• 2021

Purpose: The purpose of this study was to compare the influence of external scapular stabilization on the isometric strength of shoulder flexor muscle in subjects with and without scapular winging and conditions with and without external scapular stabilization. Methods: A total of 30 subjects with and without scapular winging were enrolled. Two groups were classified using clinical and diagnostic tests to divide the groups with and without scapular winging (15 with scapular winging 15 without scapular winging). The isometric strength of the shoulder flexor was measured using a tensiometer. The isometric strength was evaluated in the sitting position with and without an external scapular stabilization. The external scapular stabilization was provided with the examiner's hand to fix scapular winging during shoulder flexion. The changing value was calculated to determine the isometric strength difference between shoulder flexion with and without the external scapular stabilization in each group. The changing value between isometric strength of shoulder flexor with and without scapular winging was compared using the independent t-test. Statistical significance was set at 0.05. Results: In the group with scapular winging, the shoulder flexor isometric strength in the sitting position was greater with an external scapular stabilization than without an external scapular stabilization (p<0.05). There was no significant difference in the shoulder flexor isometric strength in the subjects without scapular winging between conditions with or without an external scapular stabilization (p>0.05). Conclusion: The external scapular stabilization in the individuals with scapular winging may increase shoulder flexor isometric strength in the sitting position.

• Physical Therapy Korea
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• v.17 no.2
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• pp.10-16
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• 2010

This study was undertaken to develop the scapulometer, a measuring tool for scapular winging, and to determine the reliability of scapulometer. Thirty subjects with scapular winging greater than 2 cm participated in this study. Two examiners measured scapular winging using the scapulometer. Standardized measurement position of each subject was as follows: neutral position of shoulder and wrist, $90^{\circ}$ flexion of elbow, and cuff weight of 5% and 10% of body weight (BW) to neutral wrist. The interrater and intrarater reliability were calculated with an intraclass correlation coefficient (ICC) with 95% confidence interval (CI) and standard error of measurement (SEM) at 5% BW and 10% BW. The level of scapular winging was tested between 5% BW and 10% BW with a paired t-test. The interrater reliability was shown to be high at 5% BW (ICC(2,k)=.955, 95% CI=.900~.979, SEM=.07) and at 10% BW (ICC(2,k)=.968, 95% CI=.930~.985, SEM=.06). The intrarater reliability was shown to be high at 5% BW (ICC(2,k)=.921, 95% CI=.842~.961, SEM=.09) and at 10% BW (ICC(2,k)=.906, 95% CI=.813~.954, SEM=.10). The level of scapular winging was significantly different between 5% BW and 10% BW. Conclusively, it is demonstrated that the scapulometer is an objective and qualitative measurement tool for scapular winging.

• Physical Therapy Korea
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• v.24 no.1
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• pp.61-70
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• 2017

Background: Scapular winging is a prominence of the entire scapular medial border, mainly caused by insufficient activity of the serratus anterior (SA) and imbalance of scapulothoracic muscles. Push-up plus (PUP) exercise has been commonly used to increase SA muscle activity. The facilitation of abdominal muscle may affect scapular muscle activity by myofascial connections. Thus, the sequential activation of the turnk muscles is suggested to facilitate the transition of proper force from upper limb and restore force couple of scapular muscles. The abdominal drawing-in maneuver (ADIM) has been effective in improving activation of the deep trunk muscles during movement. Objects: The aim of this study was to determine the effect of ADIM on the activity of the upper trapezius (UT), lower trapezius (LT), and SA during PUP exercises in subjects with scapular winging. Methods: Fourteen men with scapular winging (determined as a of distance between the scapular medial border and thoracic wall over 3 cm) volunteered for our study. The subjects performed the PUP exercise with and without ADIM. Surface electromyography was used to collect the electromyography data of the UT, LT, and SA. A scapulometer was used to measure the amount of scapular winging. Results: SA activity was significantly greater and scapular winging significantly lower during the PUP exercise with ADIM than during those without ADIM. Conclusion: PUP exercise with ADIM can be used as an beneficial method to improve SA activation and to reduce the amount of scapular winging in subjects with scapular winging.

• Journal of The Korean Society of Integrative Medicine
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• v.7 no.2
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• pp.39-47
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• 2019

Purpose : This study was investigated effects of vibration on scapular winging of knee push-up plus exercise. Methods : Twenty-eight female subjects with scapular winging were evaluated after performing knee push-up plus exercise, with or without vibration, three times a week for four weeks. Muscle activation of the serratus anterior and upper trapezius, and the ratio of activation of the upper trapezius to serratus anterior were measured using surface EMG; and scapular winging length was measured by using the caliper. Results : The findings showed that knee push-up plus exercise -with and without- vibration induced a significant increase in muscle activation of serratus anterior (p<.05) and a significant decrease in muscle activation of the upper trapezius (p<.05), the ratio of muscle activation of the upper trapezius to the serratus anterior (p<.05) and scapular winging length (p<.05). There was also a significant difference in muscle activation of the serratus anterior (p<.05) and upper trapezius (p<.05) between control and experimental group at post-test. Conclusion : This study suggests positive clinical effects of knee push-up plus exercise with vibration which enhanced muscle activation of serratus anterior and reduced muscle activation of upper trapezius in person with scapular winging. However, vibration had no effectiveness to improve muscle imbalance between serratus anterior and upper trapezius, and reduce the scapular winging length.

• The Journal of Korean Academy of Orthopedic Manual Physical Therapy
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• v.28 no.2
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• pp.67-75
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• 2022

Background: Scapular winging is a rare disorder that is commonly caused by nerve damage of the dorsal scapular nerve, spinal accessory nerve, or the long thoracic nerve. This affects the scapulohumeral rhythm which may cause abnormal kinetic motion of the shoulder. The purpose of this case report is to describe a self-exercise oriented management incorporating shoulder strengthening to reduce symptoms in a shoulder pain patient with winging scapular. Methods: A 45 year old male patient complained of pain in his both shoulders without any trauma. Shoulders were treated with steroid injections for supraspinatus tendonitis, but although pain improved to some extent, pain and disability continued for 3 months. Both shoulders had pain, decreased active range of motions, muscles weakness, and scapular winging. The patient underwent 9 interventional sessions over 3 months and was managed mainly by self-exercise. The intervention method involved push up plus, sling, muscle strengthening, and stabilization exercises. Loads were increased as symptoms improved. Results: Clinical outcomes were measured at every session. Pain in both shoulders reduced to 0 on a numerical pain rate scale by the 4th session, and the active range of motion was fully recovered. During the 9th session, the strength of the serratus anterior had improved from grade P to G on the right side and grade G to N grade on the left. Conclusion: In this case study, the self-exercise program was effective in reducing pain, increasing active range of motion, and improving muscle strength in subjects with scapular winging.

• The Journal of Korean Academy of Orthopedic Manual Physical Therapy
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• v.9 no.2
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• pp.69-77
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• 2003

Objective: The purpose of this study is to describe the effect of the serratus anterior muscle exercise in a patient with winging of the scapular. Background and Purpose: The patient was a 33-year-old man with an 3 years history of the left deltoid region. He had not responded to previous treatments of rest, TENS and medicine. Materials and Methods: After Surgical operation of the shoulder, the patient was treated for 6 months in 144 visits. treatment consisted of push-up with plus in the standing position with his hands against the wall and unique push-up with quadruped position at mat. Also, Sling exercise therapy was utilized to control scapular stabilization and reduce stress on the scapulohumeral joint. Result: Following 104 physical therapy visits, the patient was able to full range of motion of the shoulder without shrug motion. Conclusion and Discussion: Scapular winging and serratus anterior muscle function are important consider in the rehabilitation of the shoulder dysfunction. Therefore, specific exercise program for people with the winging scapular should be considered.

• Physical Therapy Korea
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• v.15 no.2
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• pp.38-43
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• 2008

To reduce winging scapula, various exercise protocols have been widely used by clinicians. Selective serratus anterior strengthening, and restoring balanced function, are especially recommended to reduce winging scapula. The purpose of this study was to investigate visual biofeedback using a real time video camera display system for monitoring scapular winging during arm lowering. For this study, 13 males with winging scapular were recruited during arm lowering. Electromyography (EMG) activity was recorded from the serratus anterior (SA) and upper trapezius (UT) of the right side and compared with normal EMG activity using a paired t-test. The study showed, through visual biofeedback, that EMG activity significantly increased in the SA and significantly decreased in the UT (p<.05). These results suggest that visual biofeedback can be recommended as an effective method for scapular eccentric control, to prevent scapular winging during arm lowering.

• Physical Therapy Korea
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• v.28 no.4
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• pp.256-265
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• 2021

Background: Individuals with scapular winging may have proprioceptive dysfunction which is important for motor control and causes shoulder instability. Reduced serratus anterior (SA) and lower trapezius (LT) muscle activity accompanied by over-active upper trapezius (UT), and pectoralis major (PM) may be contributing factors. Flexi-bar (FB) exercise may be used to increase joint position sense (JPS) and alter the target muscle activities. Objects: This study aimed to investigate the immediate effects of flexi-bar exercise prior to knee push-up plus (FPK) versus knee push-up plus (KPP) on JPS and muscle activity of SA, LT, UT, and PM in subjects with scapular winging. Methods: Eighteen subjects with scapular winging were recruited. JPS was investigated at baseline, after KPP and after FPK. Passive and active JPS errors were calculated by isokinetic equipment. Surface electromyography was used to record muscle activities during KPP and FPK. One-way repeated-measures analysis of variance and post hoc analyses were used to analyze the JPS error measured at baseline, after KPP and after FPK. Paired t-tests were used to compare muscle activities between KPP and FPK. Results: Passive JPS error was significantly decreased after KPP (p = 0.005) and after FPK (p = 0.003) compared to the baseline. Active JPS error was also significantly decreased after KPP (p = 0.016) and after FPK (p = 0.012) compared to the baseline. There was no significant difference in the passive and active JPS errors between KPP and FPK. SA activity during FPK was significantly increased (p = 0.024), and LT activity during FPK was significantly increased (p = 0.006). There were no significant differences in the UT and PM activity. Conclusion: FB might be recommended to immediately improve passive and active JPS and to selectively increase SA and LT muscle activities during KPP in individuals with scapular winging.

• Clinics in Shoulder and Elbow
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• v.18 no.4
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• pp.229-236
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• 2015

Background: Twenty-six patients (12 male and 14 female) with symptomatic scapular winging caused by serratus anterior dysfunction were managed by split pectoralis major tendon transfer (sternal head) with autogenous hamstring tendon augmentation from 1998 to 2006. Methods: Twenty-five patients showed positive results upon long thoracic nerve palsy on electromyography. The mean duration of symptoms until surgery was 48 months (range, 12-120 months). Four patients had non-traumatic etiologies and 22 patients had traumatic etiologies. On follow-up assessment for functional improvement, a Constant-Murley score was used. Twenty-one patients were completely evaluated, while five patients who had less than 12 months of follow-up were excluded. Results: Pain relief was achieved in 19 of the 21 patients, with 20 patients showing functional improvement. The pain scores improved from 6.0 preoperatively to 1.8 postoperatively. The mean active forward elevation improved from $108^{\circ}$ (range, $20^{\circ}-165^{\circ}$) preoperatively to $151^{\circ}$ (range, $125^{\circ}-170^{\circ}$) postoperatively. The mean Constant-Murley score improved from 57.7 (range, 21-86) preoperatively to 86.9 (range, 42-98) postoperatively. A recurrence developed in one patient. Of the 21 patients, ten had excellent results, six had good results, four had fair results, and one had poor results. Conclusions: Most patients with severe symptomatic scapular winging showed functional improvement and pain relief with resolution of scapular winging.

• Journal of the Korean Society of Physical Medicine
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• v.13 no.4
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• pp.67-74
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• 2018

PURPOSE: This study was conducted to investigate the effects of vibration frequency and amplitude on scapular winging during the knee push-up plus exercise. METHODS: A total of 26 female subjects with scapular winging were evaluated while performing the knee push-up plus exercise with no vibration, low-frequency/low-amplitude (5 Hz/3 mm) vibration, low-frequency/high-amplitude (5 Hz/9 mm) vibration, high-frequency/low-amplitude (15 Hz/3 mm) vibration, and high-frequency/high-amplitude (15 Hz/9 mm) vibration. The surface EMG of the serratus anterior (SA) muscle was compared between the vibration frequency and amplitude. The EMG amplitude was normalized using the maximal voluntary isometric contraction (MVIC). The statistical significance of the results was evaluated using one-way ANOVA. RESULTS: The SA muscle EMG values increased at low-frequency/low-amplitude vibration and at low-frequency/high-amplitude vibration compared to no vibration. Furthermore, the same values increased at high-frequency/low-amplitude vibration and high-frequency/high-amplitude vibration compared to no vibration. In general, a higher vibration frequency and amplitude was associated with higher EMG values of the SA muscle, with particularly greater increases observed during high-frequency/high-amplitude vibration. There was also a significant difference between each condition with a high-frequency/high-amplitude vibration (p<.05). CONCLUSION: This study suggests that there were remarkable clinical effect of the knee push-up plus exercise with vibration, which enhanced the SA muscle activation in persons with scapular winging. Furthermore, applying a higher vibration frequency and amplitude more effectively increased for increasing SA muscle activation.