Shoulder dysfunction assessment: self-report and impaired scapular movements

Shoulder dysfunction is common in various patient populations. This investigation was performed to assess shoulder dysfunction with self-report and performance-based functional measures.

Fifty men (25 with shoulder dysfunction and 25 without shoulder dysfunction) participated in this study.

Self-report functional disabilities were assessed with the Flexilevel Scale of Shoulder Function (FLEX-SF), and electromagnetic tracking sensors were used to monitor 3-dimensional scapular movements during 4 functional tasks.

Relative to the control group, the group with shoulder dysfunction showed significant alterations in scapular movements (averages of 6.9 degrees less posterior tipping, 5.7 degrees less upward rotation, and 2.3 cm more elevation). Scapular kinematics correlated significantly (r) with the Self-report FLEX-SF measure during functional tasks (posterior tipping = .454 to .712, upward rotation = .296 and .317, and elevation = -.310).

Functional disabilities were identified with self-report and performance-based functional measures. The inadequate scapular posterior tipping and scapular upward rotation as well as the excessive elevation may have implications in planning intervention strategies for people with shoulder dysfunction.