This meta-analysis will assess the effectiveness of physical therapy interventions in reducing scapular deviation, alleviating pain, and improving outcomes measured by the Shoulder Pain and Disability Index (SPADI) score.
The research studies were selected using the Population, Intervention, Comparison, Outcome (PICO) approach. A comprehensive literature search was conducted across multiple databases, including EBSCOhost, PubMed, Scopus, the Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials, the Cumulative Index of Nursing and Allied Health Literature (CINAHL), PEDro, and Web of Science. This search spanned from February 2024 to August 2024, targeting publications published between 2013 and 2023. Data analysis was performed using MedCalc, employing fixed and random effects models to calculate pooled effect sizes in terms of means and standard deviations. The heterogeneity of the studies was assessed using the I² statistic. The Cochrane Risk of Bias tool was also utilized to evaluate bias in the identified randomized controlled trials.
This review included 13 trials, analyzing the impact of various physical therapy interventions on scapular deviation, pain, and the Shoulder Pain and Disability Index (SPADI) score. Data analysis was conducted using MedCalc Statistical Software (version 18.11.3)
The pooled analysis revealed significant effects on shoulder disability, with a 95% confidence interval ranging from 94.87 to 98.39 and high heterogeneity (I² = 97.11%). Similarly, the pooled analysis of pain demonstrated statistically significant effects, with a 95% confidence interval of 74.84 to 92.43 and substantial heterogeneity (I² = 86.20%). Notably, the effects of the LSST/SDT also showed significant improvements in shoulder disability, with a 95% confidence interval of 94.95 to 98.16 and high heterogeneity (I² = 96.95%). Given the considerable variability among studies, a random effects model was employed to ensure robust analysis.
These findings highlight the effectiveness of physical therapy interventions in addressing shoulder-related issues, emphasizing the importance of tailored treatment strategies to optimize patient outcomes. Future research should prioritize developing and validating these protocols to ensure consistency in clinical practice and evaluate the long-term effects and sustainability of treatment outcomes.
The results of this meta-analysis have significant implications for physiotherapy management and education. To translate these findings into practice, it is crucial to establish evidence-based guidelines, conduct professional development workshops, foster collaboration among healthcare providers, and systematically assess patient outcomes. Addressing these areas can significantly enhance the management of shoulder-related conditions in physiotherapy, ultimately improving patients’ quality of life.
Physical Therapy
Pain
