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Updated: Jul 28, 2026
Measurement of Dynamic Scapular Kinematics Using an Acromion Marker Cluster to Minimize Skin Movement Artifact
Published on: February 10, 2015
The measurement of three dimensional scapulohumeral kinematics--a study of reliability
N D Barnett1, R D Duncan, G R Johnson
1Department of Mechanical, Materials and Manufacturing Engineering, University of Newcastle Upon Tyne, UK.
Objective:
To validate a system, using electromagnetic movement sensors, for the simultaneous measurement of scapular and humeral positions.
Design:
The study was designed to analyse the repeatability and to quantify the inherent measurement errors, using two observers to measure the movements of five normal subjects.
Background:
Following an earlier study of a system to measure three dimensional scapula motion, the method has been developed to incorporate simultaneous measurement of humeral and scapular position using a new design of scapula locator and a two-channel measurement system.
Methods:
The system was used to measure the scapula movements accompanying abduction of the shoulder. The scapula locator was applied at 10 degrees intervals of abduction. This was measured initially using a fluid filled goniometer, but, in a second part of the study, using an additional motion sensor.
Results:
In the single channel study, the 95% confidence intervals were less than 4 degrees and 10 mm. When simultaneous measurement of arm position was performed the confidence intervals were little changed.
Conclusions:
A new system for the measurement of scapulohumeral relationships has been shown to have good inter-and intraobserver reliability. This study opens the way for a full investigation of the scapula motion accompanying three dimensional shoulder motion in both normal subjects and in patients having shoulder pathology.
