Establishing normative data on scapulothoracic musculature using handheld dynamometry.
BACKGROUND
Scapular strength deficits have been linked to shoulder dysfunction.


OBJECTIVE
To establish normative data on the scapulothoracic musculature in normal subjects using a handheld dynamometer.


METHODS
Descriptive normative data study.


METHODS
Field research.


METHODS
172 subjects with varying levels of overhead activity.


METHODS
A handheld dynamometer was used to test the upper, middle, and lower trapezius; rhomboids; and serratus anterior.


METHODS
A 2-factor ANOVA was performed for each of the muscles by activity level and unilateral ratio by activity-level analyses. Post hoc analysis included multiple pairwise comparisons, using the Dunn-Bonferroni correction method.


RESULTS
Activity level did not significantly affect the unilateral ratios: Elevation:depression was 2.5:1, upward:downward rotation was 1.5:1, and protraction:retraction was 1.25:1. A rank order from strongest to weakest was established through significant comparisons.


CONCLUSIONS
The unilateral ratios along with the rank order should be considered when discussing scapular rehabilitation protocols.
Turner
Nichole
N
Armstrong Atlantic State University, USA.
Ferguson
Kristen
K
Mobley
Britney W
BW
Riemann
Bryan
B
Davies
George
G
D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D000704:Analysis of Variance; D001265:Athletic Injuries / Q000175:diagnosis; D015992:Body Mass Index; D002648:Child; D016001:Confidence Intervals; D003430:Cross-Sectional Studies; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D053580:Muscle Strength; D053581:Muscle Strength Dynamometer; D018482:Muscle, Skeletal / Q000502:physiology*; D010865:Pilot Projects; D012016:Reference Values; D015203:Reproducibility of Results; D012540:Scapula; D019534:Shoulder Impingement Syndrome / Q000175:diagnosis*; D013223:Statistics as Topic; D011795:Surveys and Questionnaires; D013909:Thorax; D055815:Young Adult