Image-based assessment of the clinical effects of medical training on scapulothoracic muscle group for shoulder joint mechanical stability.

BACKGROUND

This study assessed the therapeutic effectiveness of medical training therapy (MTT) in reducing the upward migration of the humeral head during shoulder abduction, focusing on enhancing the scapulothoracic muscles to improve shoulder joint stability. The primary outcome measure was the vertical displacement of the humeral head's center of rotation before and after treatment.

METHODS

From January 15, 2023 to January 3, 2024, 63 patients with rotator cuff tears were randomly assigned to either the experimental (n = 32) or control (n = 31) group. Additionally, 49 healthy volunteers were included as a healthy control group. All participants underwent X-ray imaging of shoulder abduction at 0° and 30° before and after the treatment. The experimental group received a 3-month regimen of conservative management combined with MTT targeting the scapulothoracic muscles, whereas the control group received only conservative treatment. An image-based measurement technique quantified the relative upward migration of the humeral head.

RESULTS

Before treatment, the relative upward migration was similar between the experimental (7.06%) and control groups (7.30%, P = .57). After treatment, the experimental group exhibited a significant reduction in upward migration (4.93%) compared with that in the control group (7.02%, P < .001). By contrast, the control group displayed only a minimal decrease from 7.30% to 7.02%.

CONCLUSION

MTT significantly reduces the upward migration of the humeral head during shoulder abduction, leading to improved rehabilitation outcomes, whereas conventional conservative treatment has minimal effect on migration reduction. By enhancing shoulder joint stability and potentially slowing the progression of rotator cuff degeneration, MTT represents a valuable adjunct to conservative management strategies.