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Published on: February 10, 2015
Measurement of scapular asymetry and assessment of shoulder dysfunction using the Lateral Scapular Slide Test: a
C J Odom1, A B Taylor, C E Hurd
1Department of Community and Family Medicine, Division of Physical Therapy, Duke University Medical Center, Durham, NC 27710, USA.
Physical Therapy
|March 10, 2001
Summary
The Lateral Scapular Slide Test (LSST) is unreliable for assessing shoulder impairments. Its measurements lack the necessary accuracy and consistency to differentiate between individuals with and without shoulder dysfunction.
Area of Science:
- Orthopedics
- Sports Medicine
- Physical Therapy
Background:
- The Lateral Scapular Slide Test (LSST) is a clinical assessment tool used to evaluate scapular positioning.
- Scapular assessment is crucial for understanding shoulder biomechanics and identifying potential impairments.
Purpose of the Study:
- To determine the reliability of measurements obtained using the LSST.
- To assess the LSST's effectiveness in identifying individuals with and without shoulder impairments.
Main Methods:
- Collected bilateral scapular distance measurements in three arm abduction positions (0, 45, 90 degrees).
- Calculated intraclass correlation coefficients (ICC) and standard error of measurement (SEM) for intrarater and interrater reliability.
- Determined sensitivity and specificity of the LSST for classifying shoulder conditions.
Main Results:
- Intrarater reliability ICCs ranged from .52 to .80, while interrater reliability ICCs ranged from .43 to .79.
- Standard errors of measurement (SEM) varied from 0.57 to 1.20 cm.
- Sensitivity and specificity were consistently low across all tested abduction angles and difference criteria (e.g., 35% sensitivity and 48% specificity at 0 degrees with a 1.0 cm difference).
Conclusions:
- Measurements of scapular positioning using the difference in side-to-side scapular distances via LSST are not reliable.
- The LSST demonstrates poor sensitivity and specificity, indicating it is not suitable for identifying individuals with or without shoulder dysfunction.
