The effect of scapular dyskinesia on the scapular balance angle and upper extremity sensorimotor function in stroke patients with spasticity

Abstract

Abstract Background Post-stroke scapular dyskinesia is a predisposing factor for the affection of motor and somatosensory functions of the hemiparetic upper extremity. Objective The purpose of the study was to investigate the effect of scapular dyskinesia on the scapular balance angle and upper extremity sensorimotor function in stroke patients with spasticity. Subjects and methods Sixty patients with spasticity post-stroke participated in this study. The patients were assigned to one of the two groups as determined by the lateral scapular slide test (LSST) using the palpation meter (PALM); group A with scapular dyskinesia and group B stroke patients without scapular dyskinesia. The scapular position was determined by a measurement of scapular balance angle (SBA), and the upper extremity sensorimotor function was evaluated using Fugl-Meyer Assessment upper extremity (FMAUE) scale. The scapular balance angle and Fugl-Meyer upper extremity scores were compared between groups. Results There was a significant increase in the scapular balance angle of group A compared with that of group B (p < 0.001). Also, there was a significant decrease in sensory and motor functions of group A as measured by Fugl-Meyer upper extremity compared with that of group B (p < 0.001). Conclusion Scapular dyskinesia had a significant effect on the scapular balance angle and upper extremity sensorimotor function in stroke patients with spasticity. Management of scapular dyskinesia should be emphasized in the rehabilitation program for stroke patients with spasticity.