Study Summary

Sixty patients with rotator cuff-related pain syndrome (RCS) were randomized to receive a scapular-focused exercise protocol, scapular-focused exercise protocol with electromyographic biofeedback (EMGBF), or control therapy consisting of manual therapy and strengthening exercises. The primary outcome of interest was pain and function measured using the Shoulder Pain and Disability Index (SPADI) questionnaire, the Numeric Pain Rating Scale (NPRS) and Disabilities of the Arm, Shoulder and Hand (DASH) questionnaire. Secondary outcomes of interest included scapular stabilizer neuromuscular control, scapular stabilizer activation onset, dynamic scapular alignment, range of motion (ROM), and glenohumeral muscle strength. Outcomes were assessed at baseline and after 6 weeks of treatment. Overall, the results of the study revealed significant improvements in pain and function across all groups, with greater improvements favouring both scapular-focused exercise groups compared to control therapy. These findings suggest that scapular-focused exercise protocols improve pain, function, and scapular mechanics in individuals with RCS, with additional neuromuscular benefits observed when EMGBF is included.