title: Scapular kinematics and impairment features for classifying patients with subacromial impingement syndrome.
abstract: Subacromial impingement syndrome (SAIS), which is associated with pain and a loss of function, has a high occurrence in the physically active population. Not all patients respond positively to treatment. Classifying patients can improve decision-making. The scapular kinematic and clinical impairments can aid in classifying the patients who are more likely to respond to physical therapy treatment. Thirty-three subjects (males, 20-33 years) presenting SAIS were studied to determine altered scapular kinematics and clinical impairments. Three measurements were collected: (1) three-dimensional scapular kinematics during performing functional tasks; (2) impairment outcomes of range of motion and muscle force; and (3) self-reported measurements of pain, satisfaction, and function. All patients received 6-week (2 times per week) physical therapy treatment. Improvement with treatment was determined using the Global Rating of Change Scale. Scapular kinematics and clinical impairments were first identified by t-test in predicting improvement and then combined into a multivariate prediction method. A prediction method with three variables (Flexilevel Scale of Shoulder Function score < 41, muscle power of serratus anterior < 27.4% body weight, degree of scapular internal rotation at 30° shoulder elevation during descending arm phase in unloaded condition<0.7°) were identified. It appears that scapular kinematics and impairment features can be used to classify subjects with SAIS in addition to self-report. Prospective validation of the proposed prediction method requires further investigation.
authors.affiliation: School and Graduate Institute of Physical Therapy, College of Medicine, National Taiwan University, Taiwan.
authors.forename: Cheng-Ju
authors.initials: CJ
authors.lastname: Hung
authors.forename: Mei-Hwa
authors.initials: MH
authors.lastname: Jan
authors.forename: Yeong-Fwu
authors.initials: YF
authors.lastname: Lin
authors.forename: Tyng-Quey
authors.initials: TQ
authors.lastname: Wang
authors.forename: Jiu-Jenq
authors.initials: JJ
authors.lastname: Lin
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D004185:Disability Evaluation; D005081:Exercise Therapy / Q000379:methods; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D010147:Pain Measurement; D016059:Range of Motion, Articular; D012540:Scapula / Q000503:physiopathology*; D019534:Shoulder Impingement Syndrome / Q000145:classification* / Q000503:physiopathology / Q000534:rehabilitation*; D012785:Shoulder Joint / Q000503:physiopathology*; D013624:Taiwan; D055815:Young Adult