[Proprioceptive functions of the shoulder girdle in healthy subjects]

In 30 healthy volunteers (12 female, 18 male; age: 22-36 years) we evaluated the proprioceptive function of the glenohumeral joint. The volunteers were asked to place the arm in different positions with and without visual control. The test was performed for the dominant as well as for the non dominant extremity. The following joint positions were measured: 50 degrees, 100 degrees, 150 degrees abduction, 50 degrees, 100 degrees, 150 degrees flexion, +45 degrees, 0 degree, -45 degrees rotation in 90 degrees of abduction. The documentation of the joint position was performed with a motion analysing system with passive reflecting markers. The results showed significant differences between the measurements with and without visual control. Without visual control we found the worst results for flexion and extension below shoulder level. We documented significant differences of the results with and without visual control for this range of motion. However, for external rotation above the shoulder level we could not demonstrate significant differences. In neutral rotation as well as internal rotation we found again significant differences. Therefore, proprioception seems to be worse below the shoulder level (50 degrees abduction, flexion). Better results in comparison with the entire group had two volunteers with general good coordinative capabilities. We could not demonstrate differences between the dominant and non dominant extremity nor between male and female.

Our results demonstrated low variance of the proprioceptive function of the glenohumeral joint in healthy volunteers. This may serve as a base for further evaluations in different patient populations.