Comparative Effects of Scapular Stabilisation Training versus Thoracic Mobilisation Combined with Kinesio Taping on Shoulder Function, Pain, and Scapular Dyskinesis in Cricket Players

Background: Scapular dyskinesis is prevalent among overhead athletes and contributes significantly to shoulder dysfunction. Cricket players, due to repeated overhead throwing and bowling, are particularly vulnerable. Objective: To compare the effects of scapular stabilisation training versus thoracic mobilisation combined with Kinesio taping in overhead cricket athletes. Methodology: This single-blinded, controlled trial was conducted over six months from March to August 2024 at the Islamabad Sports Complex. Ethical approval for this study was obtained from the Ethical Review Committee of Riphah International University, Islamabad. The trial was prospectively registered under the Clinical Trial Registry of Pakistan. Written informed consent was obtained from all participants before enrollment, and the study adhered strictly to the Declaration of Helsinki guidelines for research involving human subjects. Participants were recruited using purposive sampling from cricket teams actively training at the Islamabad Sports Complex. Inclusion criteria included male cricket players aged 18 to 35 years, with a minimum of two years of training experience, with a pain score ≥3. Athletes were excluded if they had a history of shoulder surgery, rotator cuff tear, neurological disorders, cervical radiculopathy, or adhesive capsulitis. Between-group comparison of outcome measures was performed using independent sample t-tests for normally distributed data, and Mann–Whitney U tests for non-parametric data. Within-group comparison from baseline to post-intervention was analysed using paired t-tests or Wilcoxon signed-rank tests as appropriate. Results: Both groups showed significant improvements (p<0.05) in pain, function, and scapular dyskinesis scores. However, group A demonstrated significantly greater improvement in scapular control and functional shoulder outcomes than group B. Conclusion: Scapular stabilisation training is more effective than thoracic mobilisation with Kinesio taping in reducing pain and improving shoulder function and scapular mechanics in cricket players with scapular dyskinesis.