Establishing Normative Data on Scapulothoracic Musculature Using Handheld Dynamometry

Document Type

Article

Publication Date

2009

Publication Title

Journal of Sport Rehabilitation

DOI

10.1123/jsr.18.4.502

ISSN

1543-3072

Abstract

Context:

Scapular strength deficits have been linked to shoulder dysfunction.

Objective:

To establish normative data on the scapulothoracic musculature in normal subjects using a handheld dynamometer.

Design:

Descriptive normative data study.

Setting:

Field research.

Subjects:

172 subjects with varying levels of overhead activity.

Methods:

A handheld dynamometer was used to test the upper, middle, and lower trapezius; rhomboids; and serratus anterior.

Main Outcome Measures:

A 2-factor ANOVA was performed for each of the muscles by activity level and unilateral ratio by activity-level analyses. Post hoc analysis included multiple pairwise comparisons, using the Dunn-Bonferroni correction method.

Results:

Activity level did not significantly affect the unilateral ratios: Elevation:depression was 2.5:1, upward:downward rotation was 1.5:1, and protraction:retraction was 1.25:1. A rank order from strongest to weakest was established through significant comparisons.

Conclusion:

The unilateral ratios along with the rank order should be considered when discussing scapular rehabilitation protocols.

Comments

© 2009 Human Kinetics

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