Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jun 12, 2026
10:07
Measurement of Dynamic Scapular Kinematics Using an Acromion Marker Cluster to Minimize Skin Movement Artifact
Published on: February 10, 2015
Scapular positioning in overhead athletes with and without shoulder pain: a case-control study
F Struyf1, J Nijs, J De Graeve
1Division of Musculoskeletal Physiotherapy, Department of Health Sciences, Artesis University College Antwerp, Antwerp, Belgium. filip.struyf@artesis.be
Scandinavian Journal of Medicine & Science in Sports
|May 27, 2010
Summary
Overhead athletes with shoulder pain exhibit scapular asymmetry and reduced motor control on the affected side. However, no significant differences in scapular positioning or control were found when comparing athletes with and without shoulder pain.
Area of Science:
- Sports Medicine
- Biomechanics
- Orthopedics
Background:
- Scapular positioning abnormalities are linked to shoulder disorders.
- Understanding scapular mechanics in athletes is crucial for injury prevention.
Purpose of the Study:
- To analyze scapular positioning and motor control in overhead athletes with and without shoulder pain.
- To identify potential biomechanical differences associated with shoulder pain in athletes.
Main Methods:
- Multi-center blinded case-control study comparing 36 athletes with shoulder pain to 36 pain-free matched controls.
- Assessed scapular positioning via visual observation, acromion-table distance, and inclinometry.
- Evaluated dynamic scapular control using the kinetic medial rotation test.
Main Results:
- Athletes with shoulder pain showed scapular asymmetry (anterior tilting) on the painful side.
- A lack of dynamic scapular motor control was observed on the painful side in symptomatic athletes.
- No significant differences in scapular positioning or motor control were found between the symptomatic and asymptomatic athlete groups overall.
Conclusions:
- Scapular asymmetry and impaired motor control may be present in symptomatic overhead athletes.
- Further research is needed to clarify the relationship between scapular mechanics and shoulder pain in athletes.
Related Concept Videos
01:23Muscles of the Shoulder
The muscles surrounding the shoulder girdle, including the clavicle and scapula, primarily stabilize the scapula. This stable base allows other muscles to move the humerus effectively. Scapular movements often mirror those of the humerus and extend its range of motion. For instance, raising the arm above the head would not be feasible without simultaneous upward rotation of the scapula.
Anterior Thoracic Muscles
The anterior thoracic muscles include the serratus anterior, subclavius, and...
Anterior Thoracic Muscles
The anterior thoracic muscles include the serratus anterior, subclavius, and...
01:31Muscles that Move the Arm
Nine muscles are involved in arm movements. Two of these, the pectoralis major and latissimus dorsi, originate from the axial skeleton and are called axial muscles. The other seven originate from the scapula and are called the scapular muscles.
The pectoralis major has two origins. Its clavicular head originates on the medial half of the clavicle. In contrast, the sternocostal head originates on the costal cartilages of ribs 1-6, the sternum, and the aponeurosis of the external oblique of the...
The pectoralis major has two origins. Its clavicular head originates on the medial half of the clavicle. In contrast, the sternocostal head originates on the costal cartilages of ribs 1-6, the sternum, and the aponeurosis of the external oblique of the...