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The intertester reliability of the Scapular Assistance Test
Alon Rabin1, James J Irrgang, G Kelly Fitzgerald
1Accelerated Rehab, Farmington Hills, MI, USA. alonrabin@aol.com
The Journal of Orthopaedic and Sports Physical Therapy
|October 5, 2006
Summary
The modified scapular assistance test (SAT) shows good reliability between examiners for assessing shoulder dysfunction. This clinical tool helps evaluate the role of scapular motion in shoulder pain.
Area of Science:
- Orthopedics
- Physical Therapy
- Biomechanics
Background:
- Abnormal scapular motion is linked to various shoulder disorders.
- Clinical tools to assess the scapular component of shoulder dysfunction are lacking.
Purpose of the Study:
- To determine the interrater reliability of the modified scapular assistance test (SAT).
- The modified SAT assesses the contribution of scapular motion to shoulder pain.
Main Methods:
- A test-retest reliability study was conducted.
- Forty-six subjects with shoulder pathologies were recruited.
- Two examiners performed the modified SAT on each participant.
- Percent agreement and kappa coefficient were used to assess interrater reliability.
Main Results:
- Kappa coefficients of .53 (scapular plane) and .62 (sagittal plane) were found.
- Percent agreement was 77% (scapular plane) and 91% (sagittal plane).
Conclusions:
- The modified SAT demonstrates acceptable interrater reliability.
- This test is suitable for clinical use in evaluating shoulder dysfunction.
