Scapular kinematics and scapulohumeral rhythm during resisted shoulder abduction – Implications for clinical practice

Forte, Felipe Camargo; Peduzzi de Castro, Marcelo; Mahnic de Toledo, Joelly; Ribeiro, Daniel Cury; Loss, Jefferson Fagundes

doi:10.1016/j.ptsp.2009.05.005

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Volume 10, Issue 3 , Pages 105-111, August 2009

Scapular kinematics and scapulohumeral rhythm during resisted shoulder abduction – Implications for clinical practice

Felipe Camargo Forte
- Exercise Research laboratory, Federal University of Rio Grande do Sul, Porto Alegre, Rio Grande do Sul, Brazil
- Corresponding author. Exercise Research laboratory, Federal University of Rio Grande do Sul, Rua Felizardo, 750, Jardim Botânico, Porto Alegre, Rio Grande do Sul 90690–200, Brazil. Tel.: +55 51 3316 5822.
Marcelo Peduzzi de Castro
- Exercise Research laboratory, Federal University of Rio Grande do Sul, Porto Alegre, Rio Grande do Sul, Brazil
Joelly Mahnic de Toledo
- Exercise Research laboratory, Federal University of Rio Grande do Sul, Porto Alegre, Rio Grande do Sul, Brazil
Daniel Cury Ribeiro
- Exercise Research laboratory, Federal University of Rio Grande do Sul, Porto Alegre, Rio Grande do Sul, Brazil
- School of Physiotherapy, Faculty of the Serra Gaucha, Rio Grande do Sul, Brazil
- School of Physiotherapy, University of Otago, New Zealand
Jefferson Fagundes Loss
- Exercise Research laboratory, Federal University of Rio Grande do Sul, Porto Alegre, Rio Grande do Sul, Brazil

Received 15 December 2008; received in revised form 21 May 2009; accepted 22 May 2009. published online 29 June 2009.

Abstract

Objective

To offer a three-dimensional description of the scapular kinematics and scapulohumeral rhythm (SHR) in healthy subjects during quasi-static shoulder abduction. To analyze and compare the influence of loaded and unloaded conditions on scapula kinematics and SHR.

Design

Eleven subjects were analyzed using videogrammetry and the application of mathematical modelling during quasi-static shoulder abduction positions (intervals of ≈30°).

Main outcome measurements

Scapular kinematic data under unloaded and loaded conditions.

Results

The scapula presented external rotation, upward rotation and posterior tilting during the studied movement. Analyzing the scapulohumeral rhythm, different behaviours were observed in the scapular movement planes. Loading condition increased scapular upward rotation and posterior tilt at 60° and 90° of abduction (p>0.01).

Conclusions

Analyzed scapular kinematics and scapulohumeral rhythm showed differences between adopted loading conditions. The clinical applications of these findings are discussed.

Keywords: Kinematics, Shoulder, Scapula, Rehabilitation