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Completed

NCT Number: NCT07083570

Scapular Repositioning for Neck Pain and Scapular Dysfunction

This randomized controlled trial is designed to evaluate the effects of scapular repositioning in individuals with neck pain and scapular dysfunction. The main questions it aims to answer are:

1. Does scapular repositioning reduce neck pain, increase range of motion, and improve joint position sense and pressure pain threshold? 2. Which type of scapular repositioning technique is more effective?

Participants will be randomly assigned to one of three groups:

1. Active scapular repositioning: The examiner will first passively position the scapula in a neutral position on the posterior chest wall. The participant will then be instructed to actively maintain that position for 10 seconds. This procedure will be repeated for 10 repetitions, with a 10-second rest interval between each repetition. 2. Passive scapular repositioning: The examiner will passively position and hold the scapula in a neutral position for 10 seconds. This procedure will be repeated for 10 repetitions, with a 10-second rest interval between each repetition. 3. Sham scapular repositioning (control): The examiner will perform gentle shoulder movements that do not alter scapular positioning. Each movement will be held for 10 seconds, repeated 10 times, with a 10-second rest interval between repetitions.

All participants will undergo pre- and post-intervention assessments (immediately after the intervention and at 30 minutes post-intervention). The primary outcomes include neck pain intensity, cervical range of motion, cervical and shoulder proprioception, and pressure pain threshold. All outcomes will be compared between groups and across time points (pre- and post-intervention).

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Key information

Conditions

Neck Pain Behavior Motor Activity Neurologic Manifestations Pain Pathological Conditions, Signs and Symptoms Scapular Dyskinesis Signs and Symptoms

Age range

18 year–59 year

Sex eligibility

All sexes

Study type

Interventional

Phase

Not applicable

Primary location

School of Allied Health Sciences, University of Phayao

Phayao, Changwat Phayao, 56000, Thailand

Who can participate

Healthy volunteers accepted: No

Only the study team can determine whether someone qualifies for participation.

Inclusion criteria

  • Chronic idiopathic neck pain for ≥3 months
  • An average pain intensity over the past week ≥3 mm on a Visual Analogue Scale (VAS)
  • A current score of at least 10/100 on the Neck Disability Index-Thai version
  • Having altered scapular alignment ipsilateral to the more painful side of neck pain

Exclusion criteria

  • History of neck injury or surgery
  • History of shoulder girdle pain, fracture, surgery or dislocation
  • History of neurological conditions (e.g. stroke, Parkinson's disease, brachial plexus injury)
  • History of marked spinal abnormalities (e.g. kyphosis, scoliosis) and other musculoskeletal conditions that could affect the scapular movement (e.g. myofascial pain syndrome, fibromyalgia, inflammatory joint disease, and/or autoimmune diseases)
  • Have participated in any specific training of the neck or shoulder girdle muscles in the last 6 months

Treatment and study plan

Active scapular repositioning

Behavioral

The examiner will first passively position the participant's scapula in a neutral position on the posterior chest wall. The participant will then be instructed to actively maintain that position.

Passive scapular repositioning

Procedure

The examiner will passively position and hold the participant's scapula in a neutral position.

Sham scapular repositioning

Procedure

The examiner will perform gentle shoulder girdle movements that do not alter scapular positioning.

Primary outcomes

  1. Neck pain intensity

    Time frame: Baseline, immediately after the intervention and at 30 minutes post-intervention

    Neck pain intensity measured by the Visual Analog Scale (VAS; 0-100 mm, where higher scores indicate worse pain).

  2. Cervical range of motion

    Time frame: Baseline, immediately after the intervention and at 30 minutes post-intervention

    Cervical range of motion measured using a goniometer in flexion, extension, left and right lateral flexion, and left and right rotation (measured in degrees).

  3. Cervical and shoulder proprioception

    Time frame: Baseline, immediately after the intervention and at 30 minutes post-intervention

    Cervical joint position error (JPE) measured using a laser pointer mounted on a headband at the center of the head during blindfolded active extension and left/right rotation.

    Shoulder joint position error (JPE) measured using a laser pointer placed proximal to the lateral epicondyle during blindfolded active shoulder flexion and abduction.

    An absolute error between starting and return positions will be recorded in millimeters and converted to degrees. Higher values indicate greater impairment.

  4. Pressure pain threshold at upper trapezius and levator scapulae muscles

    Time frame: Baseline, immediately after the intervention and at 30 minutes post-intervention

    Pressure pain threshold (PPT) measured by algometer; values recorded in Newtons (N), with lower scores indicating greater pain sensitivity (worse outcome).

Sponsors and collaborators

Lead sponsor

University of Phayao

Other

Registry information

Official study title

Effects of Scapular Repositioning on Pain, Range of Motion, Proprioception, and Pressure Pain Threshold in Patients With Neck Pain and Scapular Dysfunction

Important dates

Study start
2025
Primary completion
2025
Study completion
2025
First posted
Jul 24, 2025
Registry last updated
May 27, 2026

OpenTrials presents study information sourced from ClinicalTrials.gov. The official registry record should be consulted for the latest information.

View the official ClinicalTrials.gov record (opens in a new tab)

This listing is for discovery and informational purposes only. It is not medical advice, does not guarantee that a study is recruiting, and does not determine eligibility. Contact the study team and a qualified healthcare professional when considering participation.

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