Comparison of Stretching and Resistance Exercises with Scapular Stabilization Exercises on Pain and Upper Extremity Function in Patients with Shoulder Impingement Syndrome
Department of Sports Injury and Biomechanics, Faculty of Sport Sciences and health, University of Tehran, Tehran, Iran.
10.22037/sjrm.2026.117606.3479
Abstract
Background and Aims: Shoulder impingement syndrome is a common cause of shoulder pain and upper extremity dysfunction. Although exercise therapy is widely used in the management of this condition, evidence regarding the comparative effectiveness of different exercise approaches remains limited. This study aimed to compare the effects of six weeks of stretching and resistance exercises with scapular stabilization exercises on pain and upper extremity function in patients with shoulder impingement syndrome.
Materials and Methods: This study was a quasi-experimental investigation with a pretest–posttest design and a control group. A total of 45 patients with shoulder impingement syndrome were selected purposively following confirmation of diagnosis by an orthopedic specialist and positive results on the Neer, Hawkins–Kennedy, and Empty Can tests. Participants were randomly assigned into three groups of 15 subjects each: stretching and resistance exercises, scapular stabilization exercises, and control. The intervention programs were performed for six weeks, three sessions per week, with each session lasting 45–60 minutes. Pain intensity was assessed using the Visual Analog Scale (VAS), and upper extremity function was evaluated using the Disabilities of the Arm, Shoulder and Hand (DASH) questionnaire. Data were analyzed using one-way analysis of variance and post hoc tests (p≤0.05).
Results: Results showed that the reduction in pain and improvement in upper extremity function in the scapular stabilization exercise group were significantly greater compared to the stretching–resistance group (P=0.002) and the control group (P=0.001). In addition, the stretching–resistance group showed greater reductions in pain and improvements in upper extremity function compared to the control group (P=0.001).
Conclusion: It appears that both exercise approaches are effective in improving symptoms in patients with shoulder impingement syndrome; however, scapular stabilization exercises may provide greater benefits, possibly due to their enhanced effects on neuromuscular control and functional shoulder stability.
Nader Mohammadi, R., Minoonejad, H., & Mousavi, S. H. (2026). Comparison of Stretching and Resistance Exercises with Scapular Stabilization Exercises on Pain and Upper Extremity Function in Patients with Shoulder Impingement Syndrome. The Scientific Journal of Rehabilitation Medicine, (), -. doi: 10.22037/sjrm.2026.117606.3479
MLA
Reza Nader Mohammadi; Hooman Minoonejad; Seyed Hamed Mousavi. "Comparison of Stretching and Resistance Exercises with Scapular Stabilization Exercises on Pain and Upper Extremity Function in Patients with Shoulder Impingement Syndrome". The Scientific Journal of Rehabilitation Medicine, , , 2026, -. doi: 10.22037/sjrm.2026.117606.3479
HARVARD
Nader Mohammadi, R., Minoonejad, H., Mousavi, S. H. (2026). 'Comparison of Stretching and Resistance Exercises with Scapular Stabilization Exercises on Pain and Upper Extremity Function in Patients with Shoulder Impingement Syndrome', The Scientific Journal of Rehabilitation Medicine, (), pp. -. doi: 10.22037/sjrm.2026.117606.3479
VANCOUVER
Nader Mohammadi, R., Minoonejad, H., Mousavi, S. H. Comparison of Stretching and Resistance Exercises with Scapular Stabilization Exercises on Pain and Upper Extremity Function in Patients with Shoulder Impingement Syndrome. The Scientific Journal of Rehabilitation Medicine, 2026; (): -. doi: 10.22037/sjrm.2026.117606.3479
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