Effect of Scapular Mobilization Versus Scapular Stabilization Exercises on Grip Strength and Shoulder Function Among Construction Site Workers with Subacromial Impingement Syndrome

Subacromial impingement syndrome (SIS) causes shoulder pain and functional debilitation and is often associated with altered scapular biomechanics and reduced shoulder function. Rehabilitation programs incorporate various interventions that mainly focus on the scapular region; however, comparative evidence regarding the effectiveness of scapular mobilization and stabilization exercises remains limited. The study was conducted as a randomized controlled trial involving 30 participants diagnosed with subacromial impingement syndrome. Following enrollment, participants were randomly distributed into two groups. Group A (n = 15) was the control group and performed scapular mobilization exercises, while Group B (n = 15) formed the intervention group and engaged in scapular stabilization exercises. Each participant attended a supervised exercise session of 30 minutes, held three times per week over six weeks. Shoulder function was assessed with the Shoulder Pain and Disability Index (SPADI), and hand-grip strength was evaluated using a hand-held dynamometer. Baseline parameters were noted prior to the intervention and reassessed post the completion of the exercise program. Statistical analysis was done using paired and independent t-tests, with a significance level set at p < 0.05. Both groups showed significant improvements in shoulder function and hand grip strength following the intervention (p < 0.05). However, participants in the scapular stabilisation group demonstrated greater improvement in hand grip strength (4.8 ± 1.5 kg) than those in the scapular mobilisation group (2.5 ± 1.2 kg). Similarly, improvement in SPADI scores was greater in the stabilisation group (25.7 ± 6.4) than in the mobilisation group (15.3 ± 5.2), with a statistically significant between-group difference (p < 0.05). These findings suggest that although both scapular mobilization and stabilization exercises improved shoulder function and grip strength in individuals with subacromial impingement syndrome, stabilization exercises produced greater improvements in these outcomes.
Keywords: Subacromial impingement syndrome, Scapular mobilization, Scapular stabilization, Shoulder Pain, Disability Index, Grip strength, Randomized controlled trial