The Effect of Myofascial Release of the Scapular Muscle Chain on Shoulder Strength, Proprioception, and Function in Elderly Women with Frozen Shoulder

Document Type : Original Article

Authors

Department of Sport Sciences, ET.C., Islamic Azad university, Tehran, Iran

10.22038/jpsr.2026.90504.2733

Abstract

Purpose:
Frozen shoulder, or adhesive capsulitis, is a common shoulder disorder characterized by pain and restricted range of motion. This study aimed to investigate the effect of a two-week myofascial release intervention targeting the scapular muscle chain on shoulder strength, proprioception, and function in elderly women with frozen shoulder.
Methods:
This semi-experimental and applied study included elderly women aged range from 55 to 75 years with idiopathic frozen shoulder. Twenty-four participants were divided into an intervention group (n=12) and a control group (n=12). The intervention group underwent a myofascial release protocol for 2 weeks, consisting of 3 sessions per week, each lasting 18-20 minutes. Shoulder strength was measured using a digital hand-held dynamometer, proprioception was assessed with an active angle reproduction test, and shoulder function was evaluated using the DASH questionnaire. Data were analyzed using analysis of covariance (ANCOVA) and paired t-tests at a significance level of 0.05, with SPSS version 27.
Results:
The intervention group demonstrated significant pre- to post-intervention improvements in internal and external shoulder rotation strength (P<0.05), proprioception (P<0.05), and function (P<0.05). Between-group comparisons revealed significant differences in all variables favoring the intervention group (P<0.05). Specifically, internal and external rotation strength improved with effect sizes of 0.83 and 0.90 (P=0.001), proprioception with 0.77 (P<0.001), and function with 0.98 (P<0.001). The control group showed no significant changes (P>0.05).
Conclusion:
Myofascial release of the scapular muscle chain, as a non-invasive method, improves shoulder strength, proprioception, and function in elderly women with frozen shoulder. Corrective exercise specialists can utilize these findings in their practice.

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