PREVALENCE OF SCAPULAR DYSKINESIS AMONG PHYSICAL THERAPY PRACTITIONERS AN EPIDEMIOLOGICAL STUDY

Objective: To determine the prevalence of scapular dyskinesis (SD) among Egyptian physical therapy practitioners and its association with epidemiological factors, including age, sex, body mass index (BMI), musculoskeletal symptoms, and scapular stabilizer muscle strength.Design: A cross-sectional observational study.Methods: A total of 121 licensed Egyptian physical therapists aged 27–40 years were recruited and categorized into three age-based groups: Group A (27–31 years), Group B (above 31–36 years), and Group C (above 36–40 years). Each participant was assessed for SD using the Scapular Dyskinesis Test (SDT) and the Lateral Scapular Slide Test (LSST). Pain intensity at the end of the ROM was measured by the Visual Analog Scale (VAS), and musculoskeletal symptoms were documented using the Nordic Musculoskeletal Questionnaire (NMQ). Shoulder range of motion (ROM) and the strength of scapular stabilizers (serratus anterior, middle trapezius, and lower trapezius) were evaluated through manual muscle testing. Statistical analysis included Chi-square tests and one-way ANOVA with a significance threshold of p < 0.05.Results: Scapular dyskinesis was observed in all age groups, with subtle forms being more prevalent than obvious ones on SDT. No statistically significant differences in SD prevalence were detected among age groups. Right-sided pain and muscle weakness, particularly in the lower trapezius and serratus anterior, were commonly reported across groups. Abnormal LSST findings were more frequent in younger participants but did not reach statistical significance.Conclusion: Scapular dyskinesis is common among physical therapy practitioners, occurring independently of age and symptomatic presentation.Keywords: Scapular Dyskinesis; Physical Therapists; Shoulder Pain; Muscle Weakness.