Shoulder function and 3-dimensional scapular kinematics in people with and without shoulder impingement syndrome.

Full Abstract

BACKGROUND

AND PURPOSE:
Several factors such as posture, muscle force, range of motion, and scapular dysfunction are commonly believed to contribute to shoulder impingement. The purpose of this study was to compare 3-dimensional scapular kinematics, shoulder range of motion, shoulder muscle force, and posture in subjects with and without primary shoulder impingement syndrome.

SUBJECTS:
Forty-five subjects with impingement syndrome were recruited and compared with 45 subjects without known pathology or impairments matched by age, sex, and hand dominance.

METHODS:
Shoulder motion and thoracic spine posture were measured goniometrically, and force was measured with a dynamometer. An electromagnetic motion analysis system was used to capture shoulder kinematics during active elevation in both the sagittal and scapular planes as well as during external rotation with the arm at 90 degrees of elevation in the frontal plane.

RESULTS:
The impingement group demonstrated slightly greater scapular upward rotation and clavicular elevation during flexion and slightly greater scapular posterior tilt and clavicular retraction during scapular-plane elevation compared with the control group. The impingement group demonstrated less range of motion and force in all directions compared with the control group. There were no differences in resting posture between the groups.

DISCUSSION AND CONCLUSION:
The kinematic differences found in subjects with impingement may represent scapulothoracic compensatory strategies for glenohumeral weakness or motion loss. The decreased range of motion and force found in subjects with impingement support rehabilitation approaches that focus on strengthening and restoring flexibility.

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Author information

Author/s: McClure, Philip W (PW); Michener, Lori A (LA); Karduna, Andrew R (AR);

Affiliation: Department of Physical Therapy, Arcadia University, Glenside, PA 19038, USA. mcclure(-atsign-)arcadia.edu

Journal and publication information

Publication Type: Journal Article; Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

Journal: Physical therapy (Phys Ther), published in United States. (Language: eng)

Reference: 2006-Aug; vol 86 (issue 8) : pp 1075-90

Dates: Created 2006/08/01; Completed 2006/08/31; Revised 2006/11/15;

PMID: 16879042, status: MEDLINE (last retrieval date: 12/26/2008)

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MeSH headings (categories)

This article was linked to the MESH Headings shown below.

Middle Aged
Movement
Posture
Range of Motion, Articular - physiology
Rotation
Scapula - physiopathology
Shoulder Impingement Syndrome - physiopathology
Signal Processing, Computer-Assisted

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