New method to assess scapular upward rotation in subjects with shoulder pathology.
METHODS
Test-retest repeated measures and correlational design.


OBJECTIVE
To examine the reliability and validity of a "modified" digital inclinometer to assess scapular upward rotation during humeral elevation in the scapular plane


BACKGROUND
Evidence exists that scapular motion is related to shoulder pathology; however, evaluation and treatment planning for shoulder rehabilitation often fails to include an objective assessment of scapular motion.


METHODS
Two-dimensional measurements by the inclinometer were taken with the arm in a static position. These data were compared to 3-dimensional measurements obtained using a magnetic tracking device with the arm fixed and during arm movement. Both methods were used to assess scapular upward rotation positions with the arm at rest and at 60 degrees , 90 degrees , and 120 degrees of humeral elevation in the scapular plane. Both scapulae were tested on a total of 39 subjects, 16 with shoulder pathology and 23 without. Reliability was assessed using repeated measurements from the inclinometer. Validity was assessed using 2 separate comparisons: inclinometer and magnetic tracking device under static arm conditions and inclinometer and magnetic tracking device during active arm elevation. Reliability and validity were assessed at all 4 arm positions.


RESULTS
Intraclass correlation coefficients (ICC [3,1]) varied from 0.89 to 0.96. Pearson Product Moment correlation coefficients, used to assess validity of the static inclinometer, varied from r = 0.74 to 0.92 compared with the static magnetic tracking measures, and from r = 0.59 to 0.73 compared with the active magnetic tracking measures taken during arm elevation.


CONCLUSIONS
The "modified" digital inclinometer demonstrated good to excellent intrarater reliability and good to excellent validity when measuring scapular upward rotation during static positions of humeral elevation in the scapular plane.
Department of Physical Therapy, University of the Sciences in Philadelphia, PA. 19104-4495, USA. m.johnso@usip.edu
M P
MP
Johnson
P W
PW
McClure
A R
AR
Karduna
D000328:Adult; D001696:Biomechanical Phenomena; D004867:Equipment Design; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D026741:Physical Therapy Modalities / Q000295:instrumentation*; D011336:Probability; D016059:Range of Motion, Articular / Q000502:physiology*; D012016:Reference Values; D015203:Reproducibility of Results; D012540:Scapula / Q000502:physiology*; D012680:Sensitivity and Specificity; D012785:Shoulder Joint / Q000502:physiology*; D020069:Shoulder Pain / Q000503:physiopathology* / Q000534:rehabilitation*