Effect of Adding Scapulothoracic Stabilization Exercises to Dorsal Scapular Nerve Blockade in Patients with Nerve Entrapment Syndrome: A Single Blinded randomized Controlled Trial

Abstract

Background

Dorsal scapular nerve (DSN) entrapment commonly causes an inconvenient pain in the peri-scapular area and arm.

Objective

To assess the efficacy of adding scapulothoracic stabilization exercises (StSE) to DSN blockade on pain intensity, upper extremity disability, DSN conductivity and fatigue severity in people with DSN entrapment.

Methods

In this randomized controlled trial, 60 patients with chronic DSN entrapment, were assigned to control (n = 30) and intervention (n = 30) groups. Both groups received DSN blockade injection and only the intervention group received an additional StSE for six successive weeks. The primary outcome measures included the Numeric Pain Rating Scale (NPRS) and the Disability of Arm, Shoulder and Hand Questionnaire (DASH), while the secondary measures were the motor distal latency (MDL) of DSN and the Fatigue Assessment scale (FAS), which were all tested pre-and post-treatment.

Results

Post-treatment, both groups showed significant changes in all measures. On comparing groups, the results revealed a significant difference in favor to the intervention group observed in the NPRS, DASH and FAS (p < 0.001).

Conclusion

Adding the StSE alongside DSN blockade could reduce patient's scapular pain, decrease the upper extremity's disability and fatigue severity in people with DSN entrapment.