Journal of Paramedical Sciences & Rehabilitation

Journal of Paramedical Sciences & Rehabilitation

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
Sarah Movahedipour
Seyed Kazem Mousavi Sadati
Masoumeh Hosseini
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.
Keywords
Frozen shoulder
Myofascial release
Shoulder strength
Proprioception
Function
Elderly women
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Journal of Paramedical Sciences & Rehabilitation
Volume 15, Issue 1
Spring 2026
Pages 18-29