Abstract:

Aim: Shoulder pain and loss of function are the problems of the stroke patient's upper extremity,due to serratus anterior muscle weakness and less of scapular stabilization. We aimed to investigate the effect of scapular Proprioceptive Neuromuscular Facilitation (PNF) technique on scapular stabilization, pain and upper limb function in stroke patients. Methods: Three stroke patients were included. On the first day of the patients, scapular muscle activation evaluated with superficial electromyography, shoulder range of motion, muscle strength were measured. Upper limb function evaluation was done with 'Disabilities of the Arm,Shoulder and Hand Questionnaire' (DASH) and 'Fugl-Meyer Upper Extremity Assessment' questionnaries. 'Lateral Sliding Test' was used to evaluate the scapular stabilization. 'Thumb Finding Test' and 'Fugl-Meyer Sensorimotor Function Test' were applied to the shoulder joint kinesthetic perception. In addition to the physiotherapy programs, the patient was treated with a rhythmic stabilization technique in the scapular pattern for 6 weeks, 5 days / week for 1 session per day. The evaluations were repeated at the end of the 6th week. Results: There was a decrease in shoulder joint motion limitations and shoulder pain values of the patients. The increase in Fugl-Meyer upper extremity motor evaluation scale values, decrease in lateral scapular slide test values was detected. There was an increase in patients' Thump finding Test and Fugl-meyer Sensorimotor Function Test. Conclusion: The PNF scapular stabilization technique was found to be an effective treatment approach for shoulder pain and muscle strengthening. In particular, it is planned to carry out investigations in which the serratus anterior muscle is evaluated by different analysis methods.

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