Comparative Effects of Scapular Stabilisation Training versus Thoracic Mobilisation Combined with Kinesio Taping on Shoulder Function, Pain, and Scapular Dyskinesis in Cricket Players

Saad ul Abrar; Amin Ullah; Aisha Bibi; Ayesha Bibi; Ume Farwa; Jamal Hamayun Khan

doi:10.55735/r0bsns30

Authors

Saad ul Abrar City University of Science and Information Technology, Peshawar, Pakistan
Amin Ullah Department of Physical Therapy, Ibadat International University, Islamabad, Pakistan
Aisha Bibi Health Service Academy, Peshawar, Pakistan
Ayesha Bibi Ahmad Medical Institute, Peshawar, Pakistan
Ume Farwa Department of Health Sciences, NCS University System, Peshawar, Pakistan
Jamal Hamayun Khan PAF Hospital, Mianwali, Pakistan

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.55735/r0bsns30

Keywords:

Cricket , Kinesio taping , Overhead athletes , Scapular dyskinesis, Scapular stabilisation, Shoulder pain , Thoracic mobilisation

Abstract

Background: Scapular dyskinesis is prevalent among overhead athletes and contributes significantly to shoulder dysfunction. Cricket players, due to repeated overhead throwing and bowling, are particularly vulnerable. Objective: To compare the effects of scapular stabilisation training versus thoracic mobilisation combined with Kinesio taping in overhead cricket athletes. Methodology: This single-blinded, controlled trial was conducted over six months from March to August 2024 at the Islamabad Sports Complex. Ethical approval for this study was obtained from the Ethical Review Committee of Riphah International University, Islamabad. The trial was prospectively registered under the Clinical Trial Registry of Pakistan. Written informed consent was obtained from all participants before enrollment, and the study adhered strictly to the Declaration of Helsinki guidelines for research involving human subjects. Participants were recruited using purposive sampling from cricket teams actively training at the Islamabad Sports Complex. Inclusion criteria included male cricket players aged 18 to 35 years, with a minimum of two years of training experience, with a pain score ≥3. Athletes were excluded if they had a history of shoulder surgery, rotator cuff tear, neurological disorders, cervical radiculopathy, or adhesive capsulitis. Between-group comparison of outcome measures was performed using independent sample t-tests for normally distributed data, and Mann–Whitney U tests for non-parametric data. Within-group comparison from baseline to post-intervention was analysed using paired t-tests or Wilcoxon signed-rank tests as appropriate. Results: Both groups showed significant improvements (p<0.05) in pain, function, and scapular dyskinesis scores. However, group A demonstrated significantly greater improvement in scapular control and functional shoulder outcomes than group B. Conclusion: Scapular stabilisation training is more effective than thoracic mobilisation with Kinesio taping in reducing pain and improving shoulder function and scapular mechanics in cricket players with scapular dyskinesis.

Downloads

Download data is not yet available.

References

1. Turgut E, Duzgun I, Baltaci G. Effects of Scapular Stabilization Exercise Training on Scapular Kinematics, Disability, and Pain in Subacromial Impingement: A Randomized Controlled Trial. Archives of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation. 2017; 98(10): 1915-1923. DOI: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.apmr.2017.05.023

https://doi.org/10.1016/j.apmr.2017.05.023 DOI: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.apmr.2017.05.023

2. Wen M, Hu X, Bao G. Scapular dyskinesis-based exercise therapy versus multimodal physical therapy for subacromial impingement syndrome in young overhead athletes with scapular dyskinesis: a randomized controlled trial. BMC Sports Science, Medicine and Rehabilitation. 2025; 17(1). DOI: https://doi.org/10.1186/s13102-025-01254-8

https://doi.org/10.1186/s13102-025-01254-8 DOI: https://doi.org/10.1186/s13102-025-01254-8

3. Özer ST, Gülpınar D, Yeşilyaprak SS. Effects of shoulder and scapular rigid and kinesio taping on scapular dyskinesis and pectoralis minor length in overhead athletes. Orthopaedic Journal of Sports Medicine. 2017; 5(2 Suppl 2):2325967117S00086. DOI: https://doi.org/10.1177/2325967117S00086

https://doi.org/10.1177/2325967117S00086 DOI: https://doi.org/10.1177/2325967117S00086

4. Shih YF, Lee YF, Chen WY. Effects of kinesiology taping on scapular reposition accuracy, kinematics, and muscle activity in athletes with shoulder impingement syndrome: a randomized controlled study. Journal of Sport Rehabilitation. 2018; 27(6): 560-9.

https://doi.org/10.1123/jsr.2017-0043 DOI: https://doi.org/10.1123/jsr.2017-0043

5. Saito H, Harrold ME, Cavalheri V, McKenna L. Scapular-focused interventions to improve shoulder pain and function in adults with subacromial pain: systematic review and meta‑analysis. Physiotherapy Theory and Practice. 2018; 34(9): 653-70. DOI: https://doi.org/10.1080/09593985.2018.1423656

https://doi.org/10.1080/09593985.2018.1423656 DOI: https://doi.org/10.1080/09593985.2018.1423656

6. Hickey D, Solvig V, Cavalheri V, Harrold M, McKenna L. Scapular dyskinesis increases risk of future shoulder pain by 43% in asymptomatic athletes: systematic review and meta-analysis. British Journal of Sports Medicine. 2018; 52(2): 102-10. DOI: https://doi.org/10.1136/bjsports-2017-097559

https://doi.org/10.1136/bjsports-2017-097559 DOI: https://doi.org/10.1136/bjsports-2017-097559

7. Vellios EE, Pinnamaneni S, Camp CL, Dines JS. Technology used in prevention and treatment of shoulder and elbow injuries in overhead athletes. Current Reviews in Musculoskeletal Medicine. 2020; 13(4): 472-8. DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s12178-020-09645-9

https://doi.org/10.1007/s12178-020-09645-9 DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s12178-020-09645-9

8. Intelangelo L, Bordachar D, Barbosa A W. Effects of scapular taping in young adults with shoulder pain and scapular dyskinesis. Journal of Bodywork and Movement Therapies. 2016; 20(3): 525-532. DOI: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jbmt.2015.11.014

https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jbmt.2015.11.014 DOI: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jbmt.2015.11.014

9. Alshami A M, AlSadiq A I Outcomes of scapulothoracic mobilisation in patients with neck pain and scapular dyskinesis: A randomised clinical trial. Journal of Taibah University Medical Sciences. 2021; 16(4): 540-549. DOI: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jtumed.2021.03.006

https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jtumed.2021.03.006 DOI: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jtumed.2021.03.006

10. Keenan KA, et al. Kinesiology taping does not significantly change strength, proprioception, or kinematics in patients with shoulder impingement. Physical Therapy in Sport. 2017; 24:60-6. DOI: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ptsp.2016.06.006

https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ptsp.2016.06.006 DOI: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ptsp.2016.06.006

11. Tang L, Chen K, Huang L, et al. Efficacy of targeted scapular stabilization exercise versus conventional exercise for patients with shoulder pain: a randomized clinical Trial. American Journal of Physical Medicine & Rehabilitation. 2024; 103(9): 771-776. DOI: https://doi.org/10.1097/PHM.0000000000002431

https://doi.org/10.1097/PHM.0000000000002431 DOI: https://doi.org/10.1097/PHM.0000000000002431

12. Cools A M, Dewitte V, Lanszweert F, et al. Rehabilitation of scapular muscle balance: which exercises to prescribe?. The American Journal of Sports Medicine. 2007; 35(10): 1744-1751. https://doi.org/10.1177/0363546507303560 DOI: https://doi.org/10.1177/0363546507303560

13. Yuksel E, Yesilyaprak S S. Scapular stabilization exercise training improves treatment effectiveness on shoulder pain, scapular dyskinesis, muscle strength, and function in patients with subacromial pain syndrome: A randomized controlled trial. Journal of Bodywork and Movement Therapies. 2024; 37: 101-108. DOI: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jbmt.2023.11.005

https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jbmt.2023.11.005 DOI: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jbmt.2023.11.005

14. Ijiri T, Suzuki T. Normal values of scapular muscle activity ratio during arm elevation and the relationship to muscle strength and sex difference. Journal of Back and Musculoskeletal Rehabilitation. 2023; 37(4): 967-974. DOI: https://doi.org/10.3233/BMR-230217

https://doi.org/10.3233/BMR-230217 DOI: https://doi.org/10.3233/BMR-230217

15. Shih Y F, Lee Y F, Chen W Y. Effects of Kinesiology Taping on Scapular Reposition Accuracy, Kinematics, and Muscle Activity in Athletes With Shoulder Impingement Syndrome: A Randomized Controlled Study. Journal of Sport Rehabilitation. 2018; 27(6): 560-569. DOI: https://doi.org/10.1123/jsr.2017-0043

https://doi.org/10.1123/jsr.2017-0043 DOI: https://doi.org/10.1123/jsr.2017-0043

16. Kibler W B, Ludewig P M, McClure P W, et al. Clinical implications of scapular dyskinesis in shoulder injury: the 2013 consensus statement from the ‘Scapular Summit’. British Journal of Sports Medicine. 2013; 47(14): 877-885. DOI: https://doi.org/10.1136/bjsports-2013-092425

https://doi.org/10.1136/bjsports-2013-092425 DOI: https://doi.org/10.1136/bjsports-2013-092425

17. Kostadinović S, Milovanović N, Jovanović J, et al. Efficacy of the lumbar stabilization and thoracic mobilization exercise program on pain intensity and functional disability reduction in chronic low back pain patients with lumbar radiculopathy: A randomized controlled trial. Journal of Back and Musculoskeletal Rehabilitation. 2020; 33(6): 897-907. DOI: https://doi.org/10.3233/BMR-201843

https://doi.org/10.3233/BMR-201843 DOI: https://doi.org/10.3233/BMR-201843

18. Divya, Parveen A, Nuhmani S, et al. Effect of lumbar stabilization exercises and thoracic mobilization with strengthening exercises on pain level, thoracic kyphosis, and functional disability in chronic low back pain. Journal of Complementary & Integrative Medicine. 2020; 18(2): 419-424. DOI: https://doi.org/10.1515/jcim-2019-0327

https://doi.org/10.1515/jcim-2019-0327 DOI: https://doi.org/10.1515/jcim-2019-0327

19. Panjabi M M, White A A. Basic biomechanics of the spine. Neurosurgery. 1980; 7(1): 76-93. DOI: https://doi.org/10.1097/00006123-198007000-00013

https://doi.org/10.1227/00006123-198007000-00014 DOI: https://doi.org/10.1227/00006123-198007000-00014

20. Hayden J A, Ellis J, Ogilvie R, et al. Exercise therapy for chronic low back pain. The Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews. 2021; 9(9): CD009790. DOI: https://doi.org/10.1002/14651858.CD009790.pub2

https://doi.org/10.1002/14651858.CD009790.pub2 DOI: https://doi.org/10.1002/14651858.CD009790.pub2

21. Burn M B, McCulloch P C, Lintner D M, et al.

Prevalence of Scapular Dyskinesis in Overhead and Nonoverhead Athletes: A Systematic Review. Orthopaedic Journal of Sports Medicine. 2016; 4(2): 2325967115627608. DOI: https://doi.org/10.1177/2325967115627608

https://doi.org/10.1177/2325967115627608 DOI: https://doi.org/10.1177/2325967115627608

22. Finch C F, White P, Dennis R, Twomey D, Hayen A. Fielders and batters are injured too: a prospective cohort study of injuries in junior club cricket. Journal of Science and Medicine In Sport. 2010; 13(5): 489-495. DOI: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jsams.2009.10.489

https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jsams.2009.10.489 DOI: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jsams.2009.10.489

23. Bajaj V, Singh J, Kaushik N, Sharma A. Cricket injuries in club-based players: an epidemiological study. Journal of Population Therapeutics and Clinical Pharmacology. 2025; 32(6): 223-232. DOI: https://doi.org/10.53555/fn0xw184

https://doi.org/10.53555/fn0xw184 DOI: https://doi.org/10.53555/fn0xw184

24. Olivier B, Lala B, Gillion N. The cricketer’s shoulder and injury: Asymmetries in range of movement and muscle length. South African Journal of Physiotherapy. 2020; 76(1): 754. DOI: https://doi.org/10.4102/sajp.v76i1.754

https://doi.org/10.4102/sajp.v76i1.754 DOI: https://doi.org/10.4102/sajp.v76i1.754

25. Shaukat M, Aftab A, Amin A, Altaf S. Dynamic stretching versus plyometric push-up training on upper body performance in cricketers. The Rehabilitation Journal. 2024; 8(1): 11-18. https://doi.org/10.52567/trehabj.v8i01.53 DOI: https://doi.org/10.52567/trehabj.v8i01.53

26. Wassi A, Mudassir M, Mustafa A, et al. A Cross-Sectional Study to Explore the Prevalence of Shoulder Impingement and Its Association with Training Volume Among Cricketers in Sport Academies of Faisalabad. European Journal of Health Sciences. 2023; 9(3): 26-34. DOI: https://doi.org/10.47672/ejhs.1594

https://doi.org/10.47672/ejhs.1594 DOI: https://doi.org/10.47672/ejhs.1594

27. Montalvo A M, Cara E L, Myer G D. Effect of kinesiology taping on pain in individuals with musculoskeletal injuries: systematic review and meta-analysis. The Physician and Sports Medicine. 2014; 42(2): 48-57. DOI: https://doi.org/10.3810/psm.2014.05.2057

https://doi.org/10.3810/psm.2014.05.2057 DOI: https://doi.org/10.3810/psm.2014.05.2057

28. Kibler, WB, Sciascia A. Evaluation and Management of Scapular Dyskinesis in Overhead Athletes. Current Reviews in Musculoskeletal Medicine. 2019; 12(4): 515-526. DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s12178-019-09591-1

https://doi.org/10.1007/s12178-019-09591-1 DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s12178-019-09591-1

29. Dutton M, Gray J, Prins D, Divekar N, Tam N. Overhead throwing in cricketers: A biomechanical description and playing level considerations. Journal of Sports Sciences. 2020; 38(10): 1096-1104. DOI: https://doi.org/10.1080/02640414.2020.1741973

https://doi.org/10.1080/02640414.2020.1741973 DOI: https://doi.org/10.1080/02640414.2020.1741973