Effect of Scapular Strengthening Exercise vs Cervical Strengthening Exercise on Pain and Disability in Impingemnet Syndrome: An Experimental Study

Background & Purpose: Shoulder Impingement Syndrome (SIS) is a common musculoskeletal disorder characterized by pain and functional limitation due to altered scapular mechanics, rotator cuff dysfunction, and possible cervical involvement.Exercise-based rehabilitation remains the cornerstone of management; however, the comparative effectiveness of scapular strengthening and cervical strengthening exercises requires further clarification.To compare the effects of scapular strengthening exercises and cervical strengthening exercises on pain and disability in individuals with Shoulder Impingement Syndrome.Methodology: An experimental comparative study was conducted on 30 participants diagnosed with unilateral Shoulder Impingement Syndrome.Subjects were randomly allocated into two groups: Group A (Scapular Strengthening Group, n=15) and Group B (Cervical Strengthening Group, n=15).Both groups received their respective intervention protocols for six weeks.Pain intensity was measured using the Numeric Pain Rating Scale (NPRS), and functional disability was assessed using the Shoulder Pain and Disability Index (SPADI).Assessments were conducted at baseline, 3rd week, and 6th week.Statistical analysis included repeated measures ANOVA for within-group comparison and independent t-test for between group comparison, with significance set at p < 0.05.Results: Both groups showed statistically significant improvements in NPRS and SPADI scores over time (p < 0.05).However, between-group comparison revealed significantly greater reduction in pain and disability in the scapular strengthening group at the 3rd and 6th weeks (p < 0.001).