title: Effects of a stretching protocol for the pectoralis minor on muscle length, function, and scapular kinematics in individuals with and without shoulder pain.
abstract: METHODS
  Parallel-group intervention with repeated measures.
  
  
  BACKGROUND
  Shortening of the pectoralis minor (PM) may contribute to alterations in scapular kinematics.
  
  
  OBJECTIVE
  To evaluate the effects of a stretching protocol on function, muscle length, and scapular kinematics in subjects with and without shoulder pain.
  
  
  METHODS
  A sample of 25 patients with shoulder pain and 25 healthy subjects with PM tightness performed a daily stretching protocol for 6 weeks. Outcome measures included Disabilities of the Arm, Shoulder, and Hand questionnaire, PM length, and scapular kinematics.
  
  
  RESULTS
  Disabilities of the Arm, Shoulder, and Hand scores decreased (P < .05) in the patient group at post-intervention. No differences (P > .05) were found for PM length in both groups. Scapular anterior tilt increased (P < .05) at 90° of flexion in the healthy group.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  This study demonstrated that a daily home stretching protocol significantly decreases pain and improves function in subjects with shoulder pain. The mechanism responsible for these improvements does not appear directly related to PM muscle length or scapula kinematics, suggesting that other neuromuscular mechanisms are involved.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  The PM stretching protocol did not change the PM length or scapular kinematics in subjects with or without shoulder pain. However, pain and function of the upper limbs improved in patients with shoulder pain.
  
  
  METHODS
  2b.
authors: Physical Therapist, Master of Physical Therapy Program, Methodist University of Piracicaba, Piracicaba, SP, Brazil.
authors: Dayana P
authors: DP
authors: Rosa
authors: Associate Professor, Physical Therapy Division, The Ohio State University, Columbus, OH, USA.
authors: John D
authors: JD
authors: Borstad
authors: Physical Therapist, Adjunct Professor, Physical Therapy Department, Federal University of São Carlos, São Carlos, SP, Brazil.
authors: Lívia S
authors: LS
authors: Pogetti
authors: Physical Therapist, Adjunct Professor, Physical Therapy Department, Federal University of São Carlos, São Carlos, SP, Brazil. Electronic address: prcamargo@ufscar.br.
authors: Paula R
authors: PR
authors: Camargo
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D001696:Biomechanical Phenomena / Q000502:physiology; D016022:Case-Control Studies; D004185:Disability Evaluation; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D052580:Muscle Stretching Exercises; D010369:Pectoralis Muscles / Q000033:anatomy & histology*; D012540:Scapula / Q000502:physiology; D020069:Shoulder Pain / Q000503:physiopathology / Q000534:rehabilitation*
keywords: Physical therapy; Scapula; Shortening; Shoulder impingement syndrome