Related Experiment Video
Updated: Mar 17, 2026
Measurement of Dynamic Scapular Kinematics Using an Acromion Marker Cluster to Minimize Skin Movement Artifact
Published on: February 10, 2015
The reliability of shoulder range of motion measures in competitive swimmers
Helen Walker1, Tania Pizzari2, Henry Wajswelner2
1Physio4athletes, 301/370 St Kilda Rd, Melbourne, 3004, Australia.
Objectives:
Investigate reliability of shoulder internal and external rotation (IR, ER), abduction in internal rotation (ABIR) and combined elevation (CE) range of motion tests in competitive swimmers.
Design:
Within participants, inter- and intra-examiner reliability.
Setting:
Physiotherapy Department, University of Melbourne, Australia.
Participants:
17 competitive swimmers (aged 12-24 years) who participate in at least 5 weekly swimming sessions and two physiotherapy examiners.
Main Outcome Measures:
Inter- and intra-examiner reliability of IR, ER, ABIR and CE.
Results:
Good to excellent intra-examiner reliability across tests (ICCs: 0.85-0.96) with standard error of measurement (SEM)and minimal detectable change at 90% confidence interval (MDC90) ranging from 2 to 5, and 5-12°, respectively. Good to excellent inter-examiner reliability for all tests (ICCs: 0.77-0.94) except left IR (ICC: 0.65). Inter-examiner SEM and MDC90 ranged from 2 to 5° and 5-12°, respectively.
Conclusion:
Shoulder range of motion tests were reliable when applied by the same examiner. Inter-examiner reliability was acceptable for all tests except IR, which was affected by inconsistent manual scapula stabilisation between examiners.
