Review

Scapular Dyskinesis and Rehabilitation Approaches

Volume: 16 Number: 3 September 22, 2026
TR EN

Scapular Dyskinesis and Rehabilitation Approaches

Abstract

This narrative review aimed to comprehensively evaluate the etiology of scapular dyskinesis, its relationship with shoulder pathologies, clinical assessment methods, and current rehabilitation approaches based on the available scientific evidence.

A literature search was conducted using the PubMed, Scopus, and Google Scholar databases. Clinical studies, systematic reviews, meta-analyses, and contemporary clinical guidelines published between 2000 and 2025 were included. The retrieved evidence was analyzed with respect to the assessment of scapular dyskinesis, its association with shoulder disorders, and rehabilitation strategies, and the available findings were synthesized.

Current evidence demonstrates that scapular dyskinesis is associated with several shoulder disorders, including subacromial impingement syndrome, rotator cuff pathologies, glenohumeral instability, and chronic shoulder pain. The Scapular Dyskinesis Test, Lateral Scapular Slide Test, and Scapular Reposition Test are the most commonly used clinical assessment tools, whereas quantitative measurement techniques improve the objectivity and reliability of evaluations. Rehabilitation interventions primarily focus on restoring scapular stability, enhancing activation of the serratus anterior and lower trapezius muscles, improving motor control, correcting postural alignment, and increasing thoracic spine mobility. These approaches have been reported to reduce pain, improve shoulder function, and optimize shoulder biomechanics.

Early identification of scapular dyskinesis and implementation of evidence-based rehabilitation strategies are essential for improving shoulder function and preventing shoulder injuries. Current evidence supports individualized exercise-based rehabilitation programs as effective interventions for achieving favorable clinical outcomes.

Keywords

References

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Details

Primary Language

English

Subjects

Health Services and Systems (Other)

Journal Section

Review

Publication Date

September 22, 2026

Submission Date

July 27, 2025

Acceptance Date

July 1, 2026

Published in Issue

Year 2026 Volume: 16 Number: 3

APA
Fırat, M. Ö., Akçay, İ. H., & Yılmaz, D. A. (2026). Scapular Dyskinesis and Rehabilitation Approaches. Value in Health Sciences, 16(3), 619-629. https://doi.org/10.33631/sabd.1751885
AMA
1.Fırat MÖ, Akçay İH, Yılmaz DA. Scapular Dyskinesis and Rehabilitation Approaches. VHS. 2026;16(3):619-629. doi:10.33631/sabd.1751885
Chicago
Fırat, Mustafa Özkan, İbrahim Halil Akçay, and Dursun Alper Yılmaz. 2026. “Scapular Dyskinesis and Rehabilitation Approaches”. Value in Health Sciences 16 (3): 619-29. https://doi.org/10.33631/sabd.1751885.
EndNote
Fırat MÖ, Akçay İH, Yılmaz DA (September 1, 2026) Scapular Dyskinesis and Rehabilitation Approaches. Value in Health Sciences 16 3 619–629.
IEEE
[1]M. Ö. Fırat, İ. H. Akçay, and D. A. Yılmaz, “Scapular Dyskinesis and Rehabilitation Approaches”, VHS, vol. 16, no. 3, pp. 619–629, Sept. 2026, doi: 10.33631/sabd.1751885.
ISNAD
Fırat, Mustafa Özkan - Akçay, İbrahim Halil - Yılmaz, Dursun Alper. “Scapular Dyskinesis and Rehabilitation Approaches”. Value in Health Sciences 16/3 (September 1, 2026): 619-629. https://doi.org/10.33631/sabd.1751885.
JAMA
1.Fırat MÖ, Akçay İH, Yılmaz DA. Scapular Dyskinesis and Rehabilitation Approaches. VHS. 2026;16:619–629.
MLA
Fırat, Mustafa Özkan, et al. “Scapular Dyskinesis and Rehabilitation Approaches”. Value in Health Sciences, vol. 16, no. 3, Sept. 2026, pp. 619-2, doi:10.33631/sabd.1751885.
Vancouver
1.Mustafa Özkan Fırat, İbrahim Halil Akçay, Dursun Alper Yılmaz. Scapular Dyskinesis and Rehabilitation Approaches. VHS. 2026 Sep. 1;16(3):619-2. doi:10.33631/sabd.1751885