Scapular dyskinesia and its influence on painful shoulder syndromes: a narrative review
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.33448/rsd-v14i2.48240Keywords:
Scapula; Dyskinesis; Shoulder pain; Glenohumeral joint.Abstract
This study aims to investigate whether this condition can be considered a predictive factor for the development of such syndromes, contributing to more effective prevention and rehabilitation strategies. This research analyzed the relationship between scapular dyskinesis and painful shoulder conditions, such as impingement syndrome. Dyskinesis, characterized by the irregular displacement of the scapula during humeral movement, may contribute to biomechanical alterations and potential structural damage. Its clinical evaluation includes static and dynamic inspection, allowing for the identification of dysfunctional patterns that guide rehabilitation strategies, such as muscle strengthening and stretching. A review of studies published between 1990 and 2024 indicated that, although dyskinesis may represent a risk factor for impingement syndrome, its presence is not definitive, as it may also result from mechanical adaptations to preexisting pain. Therefore, the clinical approach should consider both its influence on dysfunction development and its role as an adaptive response. This research theoretically contributes to a broader understanding of scapular dyskinesis and, in practice, provides insights to enhance professional assessment and intervention. It is concluded that early identification and appropriate rehabilitation are essential to minimize the impacts of dyskinesis and optimize shoulder functionality.
References
Almeida, G. P. L., Silveira, P. F., Rosseto, N. P., Barbosa, G., Ejnisman, B., & Cohen, M. (2014). Análise do SICK Scapula em jogadores de handebol com e sem dor no ombro durante o arremesso. Revista Brasileira de Medicina do Esporte, 20(4), 285-288.
Alves, A. V., Feitosa, F. L. D. S., Calou, I. B. F., Lavor, A. D. S. D., Araújo, K. S. A., Lima, M. A., França, T. A. D., & Mendonça, P. C. S. D. (2020). Impacto da cinesioterapia na discinese escapular: Revisão integrativa / Impact of kinesiotherapy on scapular dyskinesis: Integrative review. Brazilian Journal of Development, 6(8), 60047–60057.
Amaral, G. M., Peixoto, S. M., Marinho, H. V. R., & Fonseca, S. T. (s.d.). Alterações na função da musculatura escapular em indivíduos com diagnóstico de síndrome do impacto. Revista Portuguesa de Ciências do Desporto, 17(S2.A), 79–91.
Aragão, J. A., Silva, L. P., Reis, F. P., & Menezes, C. S. (2014). Analysis on the acromial curvature and its relationships with the subacromial space and types of acromion. Revista Brasileira de Ortopedia, 49(6), 636–641.
Araújo, C. C., Barros, C. F., & Oliveira, F. B. (2023). Influência do índice de massa corporal na discinesia escapular em estudantes universitários. Revista Brasileira de Obesidade, Nutrição e Emagrecimento, 17(109), 451-457.
Barcia, A. M., Makovicka, J. L., Spenciner, D. B., Chamberlain, A. M., Jacofsky, M. C., Gabriel, S. M., et al. (2021). Scapular motion in the presence of rotator cuff tears: A systematic review. Journal of Shoulder and Elbow Surgery, 30(7), 1679-1692.
Batista, L. P., Oliveira, V. A., Pirauá, A. T., Pitangui, A. R., & Araújo, R. C. (2013). Atividade eletromiográfica dos músculos estabilizadores da escápula durante variações do exercício push-up em indivíduos com e sem síndrome do impacto do ombro. Motricidade, 9(3), 75-86.
Bley, A. S., Lucarelli, P. R. G., & Marchetti, P. H. (2016). Discinese escapular: Revisão sobre implicações clínicas, aspectos biomecânicos, avaliação e reabilitação. ResearchGate, 8(2).
Casarin, S. T., Porto, A. R., Gabatz, R. I. B., Bonow, C. A., Ribeiro, J. P., & Mota, M. S. (2020). Tipos de revisão de literatura: considerações das editoras do Journal of Nursing and Health / Types of literature review: considerations of the editors of the Journal of Nursing and Health. Journal of Nursing and Health, 10(5).
Castelein, B., Cools, A., Parlevliet, T., & Cagnie, B. (2016). Are chronic neck pain, scapular dyskinesis and altered scapulothoracic muscle activity interrelated? A case-control study with surface and fine-wire EMG. Journal of Electromyography and Kinesiology, 31, 1-8.
Castro, M. P., & Aldabe, D. (2009). Movimento escapular: Padrão de normalidade e suas alterações na disfunção. Revista Brasileira de Ciências do Movimento, 17(4), 91–98.
Chen, B. J., & Chen, W. Y. (2015). Scapular motion and muscle activation in patients with subacromial impingement syndrome and scapular dyskinesis. Physiotherapy, 101(Suppl 1), eS220–eS221.
Cools, A. M., Struyf, F., De Mey, K., Maenhout, A., Castelein, B., & Cagnie, B. (2014). Rehabilitation of scapular dyskinesis: From the office worker to the elite overhead athlete. British Journal of Sports Medicine, 48(8), 692-697.
Cruz, G. V. R. da, Santos, M. M. dos, & Donatti, A. F. (2023). Tratamento fisioterapêutico nas lesões do complexo do ombro decorrente da discinesia escapular. Revista Ibero-Americana de Humanidades, Ciências e Educação, 9(10), 3509-3519.
Estrela, C. (2018). Metodologia científica: Ciência, ensino, pesquisa. Artes Médicas.
Farinazzo, L. F., & Santos, T. R. T. (2021). Métodos clínicos de identificação e classificação da discinese escapular: Revisão integrativa. e-Scientia, 14(1), 38-50.
Garzedin, D. D. S., Matos, M. A. A., Daltro, C. H., Barros, R. M., & Guimarães, A. (2008). Intensidade da dor em pacientes com síndrome do ombro doloroso. Acta Ortopédica Brasileira, 16(3), 165–167.
Gomes, B. do N., Schell, M. S., Rosa, C. G., & Araújo, F. X. de. (2020). Prevalência de discinese escapular e dor no ombro em surfistas amadores do Rio Grande do Sul: Um estudo transversal. Fisioterapia e Pesquisa, 27(3), 293-298.
Hallal, C. Z., Marques, N. R., & Gonçalves, M. (2011). Razão eletromiográfica de músculos estabilizadores do ombro durante a execução de exercícios com haste oscilatória. Revista Brasileira de Medicina do Esporte, 17(1), 31–35.
Kapandji, I. A. (1990). Fisiologia articular: Membro superior (5ª ed.). Manole.
Karaağaç, A., Arslan, S. A., & Keskin, E. D. (2023). Assessment of pain, scapulothoracic muscle strength, endurance and scapular dyskinesis in individuals with and without nonspecific chronic neck pain: A cross-sectional study. Journal of Bodywork and Movement Therapies, 35, 261-267.
Keshavarz, R., Bashardoust Tajali, S., Mir, S. M., & Ashrafi, H. (2017). The role of scapular kinematics in patients with different shoulder musculoskeletal disorders: A systematic review approach. Journal of Bodywork and Movement Therapies, 21(2), 386-400.
Kibler, W. B., & McMullen, J. (2003). Scapular dyskinesis and its relation to shoulder pain. Journal of the American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons, 11(2), 142–151.
Kibler, W. B., Uhl, T. L., Maddux, J. W., Brooks, P. V., Zeller, B., & McMullen, J. (2002). Qualitative clinical evaluation of scapular dysfunction: A reliability study. Journal of Shoulder and Elbow Surgery, 11(6), 550-556.
Ludewig, P. M., & Cook, T. M. (2000). Alterations in shoulder kinematics and associated muscle activity in people with symptoms of shoulder impingement. Physical Therapy, 80(3), 276–291.
Ludewig, P., & Reynolds, J. (2009). The association of scapular kinematics and glenohumeral joint pathologies. Journal of Orthopaedic & Sports Physical Therapy, 39(2), 90–104.
Ludewig, P. M., Hoff, M. S., Osowski, E. E., Meschke, S. A., & Rundquist, P. J. (2004). Relative balance of serratus anterior and upper trapezius muscle activity during push-up exercises. The American Journal of Sports Medicine, 32(2), 484–493.
McClure, P., Tate, A. R., Kareha, S., Irwin, D., & Zlupko, E. (2009). A clinical method for identifying scapular dyskinesis, part 1: Reliability. Journal of Athletic Training, 44(2), 160-164.
Mello, A. M. S., Batista, L. S. P., Oliveira, V. M. A., Pitangui, A. C. C. R., Cattuzo, M. T., & Araújo, R. C. (2015). Associação entre discinese escapular e dor no ombro em praticantes de musculação. Revista Brasileira de Ciências da Saúde, 18(4), 309–314.
Miana, A. N., Schor, B., Castropil, W., Bitar, A. C., & Duarte, M. (2009). Discinesia escapular: Avaliação clínica e análise cinemática tridimensional. RBM, 66, 17-24.
Nogueira, M. M., & Santana Júnior, V. (2021). Discinese escapular em atletas de esportes acima da cabeça: Revisão integrativa. Research, Society and Development, 10(16), e542101623987.
Oliveira, V. M. A. de, Batista, L. da S. P., Pitangui, A. C. R., & Araújo, R. C. de. (2013). Efeito do Kinesio Taping na dor e discinesia escapular em atletas com síndrome do impacto do ombro. Revista Dor, 14(1), 27-30.
Panagiotopoulos, A. C., & Crowther, I. M. (2019). Scapular dyskinesia, the forgotten culprit of shoulder pain and how to rehabilitate. SICOT-J, 5, 29.
Sanchez, H. M., Sanchez, E. G. D. de M., & Tavares, L. I. (2016). Association between scapular dyskinesia and shoulder pain in young adults. Acta Ortopédica Brasileira, 24(5), 243-248.
Santana, E. P., Ferreira, B. C., & Ribeiro, G. (2009). Associação entre discinesia escapular e dor no ombro de praticantes de natação. Revista Brasileira de Medicina do Esporte, 15(5), 342-346.
Servasier, L., Jeudy, J., Raimbeau, G., & Bigorre, N. (2022). Arthroscopic release of the pectoralis minor tendon as an adjunct to acromioplasty in the treatment of subacromial syndrome associated with scapular dyskinesia. Orthopaedics & Traumatology: Surgery & Research, 108(2), 103211.
Silva, R. T., Hartmann, L. G., Laurino, C. F. S., & Bilo, J. P. R. (2011). Clinical and ultrasonographic correlation between scapular dyskinesia and subacromial space measurement among junior elite tennis players. Arthroscopy, 27(10 Suppl), e113.
Soliaman, R. R., Azzolini, F. L., Leme, L., Ejnisman, B., Pochini, A. C., & Cunha, R. A. (2015). A influência do treinamento na discinesia escapular em jogadores de voleibol: Um estudo prospectivo. Revista Brasileira de Medicina do Esporte, 21(3).
Stapait, E. L., Dalsoglio, M., Ehlers, A. M., & Santos, G. M. (2013). Fortalecimento dos estabilizadores da cintura escapular na dor no ombro: revisão sistemática. Fisioterapia em Movimento, 26(3), 667–675.
Struyf, F., Cagnie, B., Cools, A., Baert, I., Brempt, J. V., Struyf, P., & Meeus, M. (2014). Scapulothoracic muscle activity and recruitment timing in patients with shoulder impingement symptoms and glenohumeral instability. Journal of Electromyography and Kinesiology, 24(2), 277–284.
Tate, A., McClure, P., Young, I. A., Salvatori, R., & Michener, L. A. (2009). A clinical method for identifying scapular dyskinesis, Part 2: Validity. Journal of Athletic Training, 44(2), 165–173.
Turgut, E., Duzgun, I., & Baltaci, G. (2017). 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, 98(10), 1915-1923.
Uhl, T. L., Kibler, W. B., Gecewich, B., & Tripp, B. L. (2009). Evaluation of clinical assessment methods for scapular dyskinesis. Arthroscopy, 25(11), 1240-1248.
Voermans, N. C., van der Bilt, R. C., IJspeert, J., Hogrel, J. Y., Jeanpierre, M., Behin, A., & et al. (2019). Scapular dyskinesis in myotonic dystrophy type 1: Clinical characteristics and genetic investigations. Journal of Neurology, 266(12), 2987–2996.
Downloads
Published
How to Cite
Issue
Section
License
Copyright (c) 2025 Maurício Dalamaria Júnior
This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 International License.
Authors who publish with this journal agree to the following terms:
1) Authors retain copyright and grant the journal right of first publication with the work simultaneously licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution License that allows others to share the work with an acknowledgement of the work's authorship and initial publication in this journal.
2) Authors are able to enter into separate, additional contractual arrangements for the non-exclusive distribution of the journal's published version of the work (e.g., post it to an institutional repository or publish it in a book), with an acknowledgement of its initial publication in this journal.
3) Authors are permitted and encouraged to post their work online (e.g., in institutional repositories or on their website) prior to and during the submission process, as it can lead to productive exchanges, as well as earlier and greater citation of published work.
