THE ASSOCIATION OF SCAPULAR DYSKINESIA IN FEMALES WITH FIBROMYALGIA

Abstract

Background:
Fibromyalgia (FM) is a chronic pain syndrome characterized by widespread musculoskeletal discomfort, fatigue, and functional impairment, with a marked predominance in females. Scapular dyskinesia (SD), defined as altered scapular kinematics, has been reported in individuals with shoulder and upper quadrant pain. However, the association between FM and SD, particularly among women in Pakistan, remains underexplored.

Objective:This study aimed to investigate the prevalence of scapular dyskinesia and its association with demographic variables, occupational roles, and fibromyalgia severity in females diagnosed with FM.

Methods:A cross-sectional study was conducted among 122 females aged 30–50 years with a confirmed diagnosis of fibromyalgia, recruited from three hospitals in Karachi. Participants were assessed using the revised fibromyalgia diagnostic criteria, including the Widespread Pain Index (WPI) and Symptom Severity (SS) scale, alongside the Scapular Dyskinesis Test (SDT). Data were analyzed using descriptive statistics, chi-square tests, and one-way ANOVA with significance set at p < 0.05.

Results:Among participants, 33.6% were aged 41–45 years and 79.5% were housewives. Moderate fibromyalgia severity was the most common (66.4%). Scapular dyskinesia was present in 18% of participants, though no significant associations were observed with age (p = 0.518) or occupation (p = 0.241). A significant association was found between fibromyalgia severity and occupational category (p = 0.012). ANOVA revealed significant differences in mean FM scores across occupations (p = 0.038), with laborers and office workers reporting the highest scores.

Conclusion:Scapular dyskinesia is prevalent among females with fibromyalgia, though its occurrence appears independent of age or occupation. Occupational roles significantly influenced fibromyalgia severity, suggesting workplace demands may exacerbate symptom burden. These findings emphasize the importance of targeted rehabilitation strategies addressing both fibromyalgia and scapular mechanics to improve functional outcomes. Future longitudinal studies with more diverse samples are recommended to explore causality and intervention effectiveness.