Prevalence of Scapular Dyskinesia among Bank Employees in Belagavi, Karnataka, India: A Cross-sectional Study

Introduction: Scapular Dyskinesis (SD) is an abnormal movement or positioning of the scapula, often resulting from muscular imbalance and poor posture. Office-based professionals, such as bank employees, are at increased risk due to prolonged sedentary work. Aim: To estimate the prevalence of SD among bankers in Belagavi using the Scapular Dyskinesis Test (SDT) and Lateral Scapular Slide Test (LSST) and to explore associated demographic characteristics. Materials and Methods: A cross-sectional observational study was conducted on 131 employees (aged 20-45 years) from 40 banks in Belagavi, Karnataka, India between February 2024- August 2024. SDT and LSST were used to assess scapular motion on both sides. Data were analysed using Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS) v29.0.10. Chi-square tests were applied, with a p-value < 0.05 considered significant. Results: A total of 131 bankers, 77 males (58.8%) and 54 females (41.2%) were included. The mean age was 35.5±7.75 years (range: 23-45 years). On the SDT, dyskinesis was present in 86 (65.6%) dominant and 69 (52.7%) non dominant limbs; of the dominant-side findings, 70 (53.4%) were subtle and 16 (12.2%) were obvious. On the LSST, 112 (85.5%) dominant and 103 (78.6%) non dominant limbs showed positive findings. Higher prevalence by LSST may detect static scapular asymmetry more readily than SDT, which evaluates dynamic movement patterns. Considering either test, the overall prevalence was 115 (87.8%). Chi-square analysis showed no significant difference between dominant and non dominant limbs for both SDT (χ²=0.52, p=0.472) and LSST (χ²=0.25, p=0.619). Prevalence did not differ statistically between males and females on SDT (51/77, 66.2% vs 35/54, 64.8%; p=0.884) or LSST (67/77, 87.0% vs 45/54, 83.3%; p=0.583). No significant associations were observed with age, work experience, or daily working hours (p>0.05). Conclusion: The study demonstrated a high prevalence of SD among bankers in Belagavi, particularly in the dominant limb. These findings suggest the potential value of early detection and ergonomic interventions, and preventive strategies to reduce the risk of Musculoskeletal Disorders (MSD) in sedentary occupational settings, particularly those related to the shoulder. Early physiotherapy-based interventions focusing on muscle re-education, ergonomic workstation adjustments, and activity modification can help prevent shoulder dysfunction and enhance occupational performance.