Effects of grip strengthening combined with scapular stabilization exercise on shoulder muscle strength and functional outcomes in individuals with subacromial pain syndrome: A randomized controlled trial.
Jae-Hyun Lee, Eunjung Chung, Byoung-Hee Lee
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In 30 seconds
This randomized controlled trial compared scapular stabilization exercise with the same exercise combined with grip strengthening in 36 individuals with subacromial pain syndrome (SAPS). Participants were assigned equally to the two groups and exercised three times weekly for four weeks. Both groups improved in shoulder muscle strength, grip strength, and Shoulder Pain and Disability Index scores (P < .001). Time-by-group interactions were significant for all outcomes (P < .001), indicating greater improvement with the combined programme. The abstract does not report the magnitude of between-group differences.
Key findings
- Both groups improved in shoulder muscle strength, grip strength, and Shoulder Pain and Disability Index scores (P < .001).
- Time × Group interactions were significant for all outcome measures (P < .001), with greater improvements in the grip-strengthening group.
Why it matters
The findings suggest that adding grip strengthening to scapular stabilization exercise may enhance several measured outcomes in SAPS. This is relevant because the trial assessed both strength and patient-reported pain and disability, rather than strength alone. However, the abstract provides no effect sizes, so the clinical magnitude of the additional improvement cannot be judged.
What to keep in mind
The trial included 36 participants and assessed outcomes only before and after a four-week intervention; longer-term effects are not reported.