Effect of scapular muscle endurance on chronic shoulder pain in textile workers

Article type: Research Article

Authors: Eraslan, Umut^a | Gelecek, Nihal^b | Genc, Arzu^{b; *}

Affiliations: [a] Derin Su Special Education and Rehabilitation Center, Izmir, Turkey | [b] School of Physical Therapy and Rehabilitation, Dokuz Eylül University, Izmir, Turkey

Correspondence: [*] Address for correspondence: Arzu Genc, PT, School of Physical Therapy and Rehabilitation, Dokuz Eylül University, Mithatpasa Caddesi, Izmir, Turkey. Tel.: +90 232 4124943; Fax: +90 232 2775030; E-mail: [email protected]

Abstract: Objective:The aim of this study was to investigate the effect of scapular muscle endurance on chronic shoulder pain in textile workers. Methods:In total, 91 textile workers were divided into two groups based on the presence (n=43) or absence (n=48) of chronic shoulder pain, as assessed using the Nordic Musculoskeletal Questionnaire (NMQ). The endurance of the serratus anterior and trapezius muscles was assessed using the Scapular Muscle Endurance (SME) test. Results:In the group with chronic shoulder pain, mean scapular muscle endurance was significantly lower than that in the pain-free group (t-test, p<0.05). There was a significant negative correlation between rest – activity pain intensity and SME (Pearson correlation analysis, p<0.01). Conclusions:Scapular muscle endurance has an effect on the development of shoulder pain in textile workers.

Keywords: Textile workers, chronic shoulder pain, scapular muscle endurance, assessment

DOI: 10.3233/BMR-2012-0346

Journal: Journal of Back and Musculoskeletal Rehabilitation, vol. 26, no. 1, pp. 25-31, 2013