Manual Therapy
Volume 15, Issue 6 , Pages 547-551, December 2010

Scapular kinematics and impairment features for classifying patients with subacromial impingement syndrome

  • Cheng-Ju Hung

      Affiliations

    • School and Graduate Institute of Physical Therapy, College of Medicine, National Taiwan University, Taiwan
  • ,
  • Mei-Hwa Jan

      Affiliations

    • School and Graduate Institute of Physical Therapy, College of Medicine, National Taiwan University, Taiwan
    • Yeong-An Clinic, Taipei, Taiwan
  • ,
  • Yeong-Fwu Lin

      Affiliations

    • Yeong-An Clinic, Taipei, Taiwan
  • ,
  • Tyng-Quey Wang

      Affiliations

    • Department of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation, National Taiwan University Hospital, Taiwan
  • ,
  • Jiu-Jenq Lin

      Affiliations

    • School and Graduate Institute of Physical Therapy, College of Medicine, National Taiwan University, Taiwan
    • Physical Therapy Center, National Taiwan University Hospital, Taipei, Taiwan
    • Corresponding Author InformationCorresponding author. School and Graduate Institute of Physical Therapy, National Taiwan University, Floor 3, No.17, Xuzhou Road, Zhongzheng District, Taipei City 100, Taiwan.

Received 25 February 2010; received in revised form 3 June 2010; accepted 8 June 2010. published online 08 July 2010.

Abstract 

Subacromial impingement syndrome (SAIS), which is associated with pain and a loss of function, has a high occurrence in the physically active population. Not all patients respond positively to treatment. Classifying patients can improve decision-making. The scapular kinematic and clinical impairments can aid in classifying the patients who are more likely to respond to physical therapy treatment. Thirty-three subjects (males, 20–33 years) presenting SAIS were studied to determine altered scapular kinematics and clinical impairments. Three measurements were collected: (1) three-dimensional scapular kinematics during performing functional tasks; (2) impairment outcomes of range of motion and muscle force; and (3) self-reported measurements of pain, satisfaction, and function. All patients received 6-week (2 times per week) physical therapy treatment. Improvement with treatment was determined using the Global Rating of Change Scale. Scapular kinematics and clinical impairments were first identified by t-test in predicting improvement and then combined into a multivariate prediction method. A prediction method with three variables (Flexilevel Scale of Shoulder Function score<41, muscle power of serratus anterior<27.4% body weight, degree of scapular internal rotation at 30° shoulder elevation during descending arm phase in unloaded condition<0.7°) were identified. It appears that scapular kinematics and impairment features can be used to classify subjects with SAIS in addition to self-report. Prospective validation of the proposed prediction method requires further investigation.

Keywords: Subacromial impingement syndrome, Physical therapy, Kinematic, Impairment

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 This study was funded by the National Science Council, Taiwan (NSC 97-2314-B-002-006-MY3).

PII: S1356-689X(10)00105-0

doi:10.1016/j.math.2010.06.003

Manual Therapy
Volume 15, Issue 6 , Pages 547-551, December 2010