An analysis of functional shoulder movements during task performance using Dartfish movement analysis software

Area of Science:

• Biomechanics
• Kinesiology
• Clinical Movement Analysis

Background:

• Understanding shoulder range of motion (ROM) is crucial for assessing upper limb function.
• Video-based movement analysis software offers potential for clinical evaluation of shoulder motion.
• Reliability of functional ROM measurements is essential for clinical applications.

Purpose of the Study:

• To describe the functional shoulder ROM during specific daily activities.
• To evaluate the reliability of shoulder ROM measurements using Dartfish software across different raters.
• To determine if healthy individuals utilize their full shoulder ROM during common tasks.

Main Methods:

• Ten healthy participants performed five functional tasks from the Disabilities of the Arm, Shoulder and Hand (DASH) questionnaire.
• Video recordings of participants were analyzed using Dartfish software to measure shoulder joint angles.
• Intraclass correlation coefficients (ICC) were used to assess test-retest and inter-rater reliability.

Main Results:

• Maximum shoulder abduction (118°) and flexion (111°) occurred during hair washing.
• Maximum shoulder extension (-68°) was observed while washing one's back.
• Minimum shoulder ROM was noted when opening a tight jar.
• Inter-rater reliability ranged from moderate to excellent (ICC = 0.68–1.00).

Conclusions:

• Healthy individuals utilize less than their maximal shoulder ROM for common ADL tasks.
• Significant inter-individual variability exists in functional shoulder movement patterns.
• Dartfish software demonstrates clinical relevance and reliability for analyzing shoulder function.