Relationship between scapular dyskinesis test and lateral scapular slide test in office workers with chronic neck pain: a cross-sectional study.

backgroundScapular dyskinesis is associated with shoulder dysfunction and chronic neck pain, particularly in computer-based office workers. Although scapular dyskinesis and lateral scapular slide tests are commonly used in clinical settings, each has limitations when used independently. In addition, only a few studies have examined the clinical relationship between these two testing methods, particularly in individuals with chronic neck pain in whom scapular dysfunction is highly prevalent. This study aimed to examine the relationship between scapular dyskinesis and lateral scapular slide tests and explore their combined use for a comprehensive assessment of scapular dysfunction in individuals with chronic neck pain.

methodsThis was a cross-sectional study. Eighty-three office workers (49 males and 34 females) with chronic neck pain were recruited from three information technology companies in Seoul, Korea. The severity of scapular dyskinesis was assessed using a three-category classification scapular dyskinesis test (normal, subtle, and obvious), and the scapulothoracic distance was measured at three arm positions using the lateral scapular slide test. Neck disability index and visual analogue scale scores were also assessed. One-way ANOVA and correlation analyses (Kendall's and Pearson's) were used to examine the relationships between the variables.

resultsSignificant differences were found in the lateral scapular slide test position 2 distance between the scapular dyskinesis test grades in both the dominant (p = 0.0021) and non-dominant arms (p = 0.0195). In both the dominant and non-dominant arms, individuals with subtle or obvious scapular dyskinesis exhibited significantly greater scapulothoracic distances than those with normal scapular motion. A weak positive correlation was observed between scapular dyskinesis test severity and lateral scapular slide test position 2 in both arms (dominant, r = 0.22, p = 0.040; non-dominant, r = 0.21, p = 0.0492). Participants with scapular dyskinesis also had higher neck disability index scores on the dominant side (p = 0.0214), but no significant associations were found with the visual analogue scale.

conclusionsThe grade of dynamic scapular dyskinesis positively correlated with static scapulothoracic distance and neck disability. The combined use of the scapular dyskinesis test and lateral scapular slide test identifies both dynamic control deficits and static positional in office workers with chronic neck pain.