Effects of scapular treatment on chronic neck pain: a systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials

Table 3 Subgroup analysis of pain intensity (VAS or NRS)

Subgroups	Variables	Studies, n	Patients, n	SMD (95%CI)	Test for subgroup difference
Subgroups	Variables	Studies, n	Patients, n	SMD (95%CI)	Chi²	p value
Disease characteristics	CNP with abnormal posture	3	130	3.36 [-0.07, 6.78]	0.16	0.69
	CNP with scapular dyskinesia	3	110	2.51 [0.28, 4.74]
	Total	6	240	2.94 [1.12, 4.76]
gender	Female only	2	133	6.23 [4.80, 7.65]	44.82	< 0.00001
	Both male and female	5	155	1.07 [0.57, 1.56]
	Total	7	288	2.55 [0.97, 4.53]
inventions	SSE	4	174	3.32 [0.77, 5.88]	2.35	0.31
	SCE	1	28	1.50 [0.65, 2.36]
	STM	2	86	3.33 [-0.76, 7.43]
	Total	7	288	3.05 [1.46, 4.64]

CNP Chronic neck pain, SSE Scapular stabilization exercise, SCE Scapular correctional exercises, STM Scapulothoracic mobilization, SMD Standardized mean difference

ISSN: 1471-2474