title: Reliability of levator scapulae index in subjects with and without scapular downward rotation syndrome.
abstract: OBJECTIVE
  The objective of this study was to introduce levator scapulae (LS) measurement using a caliper and the levator scapulae index (LSI) and to investigate intra- and interrater reliability of the LSI in subjects with and without scapular downward rotation syndrome (SDRS).
  
  
  METHODS
  Two raters measured LS length twice in 38 subjects (19 with SDRS and 19 without SDRS).
  
  
  METHODS
  For reliability testing, intraclass correlation coefficients (ICCs), standard error of measurement (SEM), and minimal detectable change (MDC) were calculated.
  
  
  RESULTS
  Intrarater reliability analysis resulted with ICCs ranging from 0.94 to 0.98 in subjects with SDRS and 0.96 to 0.98 in subjects without SDRS. These results represented that intrarater reliability in both groups were excellent for measuring LS length with the LSI. Interrater reliability was good (ICC: 0.82) in subjects with SDRS; however, interrater reliability was moderate (ICC: 0.75) in subjects without SDRS. Additionally, SEM and MDC were 0.13% and 0.36% in subjects with SDRS and 0.35% and 0.97% in subjects without SDRS. In subjects with SDRS, low dispersion of the measurement errors and MDC were shown.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  This study suggested that the LSI is a reliable method to measure LS length and is more reliable for subjects with SDRS.
authors.affiliation: Applied Kinesiology and Ergonomic Technology Laboratory, Department of Physical Therapy, The Graduate School, Yonsei University, Baekwoon-kwan, 1 Yonseidae-gil, Wonju, Kangwon-do, South Korea.
authors.forename: Ji-Hyun
authors.initials: JH
authors.lastname: Lee
authors.affiliation: Applied Kinesiology and Ergonomic Technology Laboratory, Department of Physical Therapy, The Graduate School, Yonsei University, Baekwoon-kwan, 1 Yonseidae-gil, Wonju, Kangwon-do, South Korea. Electronic address: cynn@yonsei.ac.kr.
authors.forename: Heon-Seock
authors.initials: HS
authors.lastname: Cynn
authors.affiliation: Applied Kinesiology and Ergonomic Technology Laboratory, Department of Physical Therapy, The Graduate School, Yonsei University, Baekwoon-kwan, 1 Yonseidae-gil, Wonju, Kangwon-do, South Korea.
authors.forename: Woo-Jeong
authors.initials: WJ
authors.lastname: Choi
authors.affiliation: Applied Kinesiology and Ergonomic Technology Laboratory, Department of Physical Therapy, The Graduate School, Yonsei University, Baekwoon-kwan, 1 Yonseidae-gil, Wonju, Kangwon-do, South Korea.
authors.forename: Hyo-Jung
authors.initials: HJ
authors.lastname: Jeong
authors.affiliation: Department of Physical Therapy, College of Health and Welfare, Woosong University, #17-2, Jayang-dong, Dong-gu, Daejeon, South Korea.
authors.forename: Tae-Lim
authors.initials: TL
authors.lastname: Yoon
mesh_terms: D001696:Biomechanical Phenomena / Q000502:physiology*; D020820:Dyskinesias / Q000503:physiopathology*; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D016059:Range of Motion, Articular / Q000502:physiology; D015203:Reproducibility of Results; D012399:Rotation; D012540:Scapula / Q000033:anatomy & histology* / Q000503:physiopathology; D064171:Superficial Back Muscles / Q000033:anatomy & histology* / Q000503:physiopathology; D013577:Syndrome; D055815:Young Adult
keywords: Intraclass coefficients; Levator scapulae; Standard error of measurement