Background: Shoulder impingement syndrome is a common musculoskeletal disorder characterized by pain, restricted range of motion, and functional limitations. Altered scapular kinematics and inadequate rotator cuff control are recognized contributors to persistent symptoms. Exercise-based rehabilitation focusing on isolated muscle strengthening and scapular stability may improve outcomes. Objective: To evaluate the effectiveness of open kinematic chain exercises combined with scapular stabilization exercises on pain, shoulder range of motion, and functional performance in individuals with shoulder impingement syndrome. Methods: A randomized controlled trial was conducted among eighty participants diagnosed with shoulder impingement syndrome. Participants were randomly allocated into two groups. Group A received conventional physiotherapy including hot moist pack, transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation, ultrasound therapy, range of motion exercises, stretching, and basic strengthening exercises. Group B received open kinematic chain exercises combined with scapular stabilization exercises. Interventions were administered four times per week for six weeks. Pain intensity was assessed using the Visual Analog Scale, shoulder range of motion using goniometry, and functional performance using the Shoulder Pain and Disability Index. Statistical analysis was performed using SPSS version 26. Results: Both groups demonstrated statistically significant improvements in pain, shoulder range of motion, and functional performance following intervention. However, the experimental group showed significantly greater improvement compared to the conventional physiotherapy group across all outcome measures, with p-values less than 0.0001. Conclusion: Open kinematic chain exercises combined with scapular stabilization exercises are more effective than conventional physiotherapy alone in reducing pain and improving shoulder function in individuals with shoulder impingement syndrome. Incorporation of targeted scapular stabilization into rehabilitation programs is recommended for enhanced clinical outcomes. Categories: Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation.
Keywords: shoulder impingement syndrome, open kinematic chain, scapular stabilization, physiotherapy, rehabilitation..
How to cite this article: Rao S, Jagtap V; Effectiveness of Open Kinematic Chain Exercises With Scapular Stabilization Exercises in Shoulder Impingement Syndrome: A Randomized Controlled Trial. .Int J Drug Deliv Technol. . 2026;16(1s): 412-419; DOI: 10.25258/ijddt.16. 412-419