title: Glenohumeral internal rotation measurements differ depending on stabilization techniques.
abstract: BACKGROUND
  The loss of glenohumeral internal rotation range of motion in overhead athletes has been well documented in the literature. Several different methods of assessing this measurement have been described, making comparison between the results of studies difficult.
  
  
  OBJECTIVE
  Significant differences in the amount of internal rotation range of motion exist when using different methods of stabilization.
  
  
  METHODS
  Descriptive laboratory study.
  
  
  METHODS
  THREE TECHNIQUES WERE USED BILATERALLY IN RANDOM FASHION TO MEASURE GLENOHUMERAL INTERNAL ROTATION RANGE OF MOTION: stabilization of the humeral head, stabilization of the scapula, and visual inspection without stabilization. An initial study on 20 asymptomatic participants was performed to determine the intrarater and interrater reliability for each measurement technique. Once complete, measurements were performed on 39 asymptomatic professional baseball players to determine if a difference existed in measurement techniques and if there was a significant side-to-side difference. A 2-way repeated-measures analysis of variance was used.
  
  
  RESULTS
  While interrater reliability was fair between all 3 methods, scapular stabilization provided the best intrarater reliability. A statistically significant difference was observed between all 3 methods (P < .001). Internal rotation was significantly less in the dominant shoulder than in the nondominant shoulder (P < .001).
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  Differences in internal rotation range of motion measurements exist when using different methods. The scapula stabilization method displayed the highest intrarater reproducibility and should be considered when evaluating internal rotation passive range of motion of the glenohumeral joint.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  A standardized method of measuring internal rotation range of motion is required to accurately compare physical examinations of patients. The authors recommend the use of the scapula stabilization method to assess internal rotation range of motion by allowing normal glenohumeral arthrokinematics while stabilizing the scapulothoracic articulation.
authors.affiliation: Champion Sports Medicine, Birmingham, Alabama.
authors.forename: Kevin E
authors.initials: KE
authors.lastname: Wilk
authors.forename: Michael M
authors.initials: MM
authors.lastname: Reinold
authors.forename: Leonard C
authors.initials: LC
authors.lastname: Macrina
authors.forename: Ron
authors.initials: R
authors.lastname: Porterfield
authors.forename: Kathleen M
authors.initials: KM
authors.lastname: Devine
authors.forename: Kim
authors.initials: K
authors.lastname: Suarez
authors.forename: James R
authors.initials: JR
authors.lastname: Andrews