Reliability of Scapular Classification in Examination of Professional Baseball Players

Authors

Todd S. Ellenbecker, Physiotherapy Associates Scottsdale Sports ClinicFollow
W. Ben Kibler, Lexington Clinic Sports Medicine and Shoulder Center
David S. Bailie, The Orthopaedic Clinic Association (TOCA)Follow
Roger Caplinger, Milwaukee Brewers Baseball ClubFollow
George J. Davies, Armstrong Atlantic State UniversityFollow
Bryan Riemann, Armstrong Atlantic State UniversityFollow

Document Type

Article

Publication Date

6-2012

Publication Title

Clinical Orthopaedics and Related Research

DOI

10.1007/s11999-011-2216-0

ISSN

1528-1132

Abstract

Background

Clinically evaluating the scapulothoracic joint is challenging. To identify scapular dyskinesis, clinicians typically observe scapular motion and congruence during self-directed upper extremity movements. However, it is unclear whether this method is reliable.

Questions/purposes

We therefore determined the interrater reliability of a scapular classification system in the examination of professional baseball players.

Methods

Seventy-one healthy uninjured professional baseball players between the ages of 18 and 32 years volunteered to participate. We used a digital video camera to film five repetitions of scapular plane elevation while holding a 2-pound weight. Four examiners then independently classified the motions on video into one of four types. Interrater reliability analysis using the kappa (k) statistic was performed for: (1) classifying each scapula into one of the four types; (2) classifying each scapula as being abnormal (Types I-III) or normal (Type IV); and (3) classifying both scapula as both being symmetric (both normal or both abnormal) or asymmetric (one normal, one abnormal).

Results

We found low reliability for all analyses. In classifying each scapula as one of the four types, reliability was k = 0.245 for the left limb and k = 0.186 for the right limb. When considering the dichotomous classifications (abnormal versus normal), reliability was k = 0.264 for left and k = 0.157 for right. For bilateral symmetry/asymmetric, reliability was k = 0.084.

Conclusion

We found low reliability of visual observation and classification of scapular movement.

Clinical Relevance

Current evaluation strategies for evaluating subtle scapular abnormalities are limited.

Level of Evidence

Level III, diagnostic study. See Guidelines for Authors for a complete description of levels of evidence.

Comments

© 2012 Lippincott Williams & Wilkins LWW

Recommended Citation

Ellenbecker, Todd S., W. Ben Kibler, David S. Bailie, Roger Caplinger, George J. Davies, Bryan Riemann. 2012. "Reliability of Scapular Classification in Examination of Professional Baseball Players." Clinical Orthopaedics and Related Research, 470 (6): 1540-1544: Lippincott, Williams & Wilkins. doi: 10.1007/s11999-011-2216-0 source: https://journals.lww.com/clinorthop/Fulltext/2012/06000/Reliability_of_Scapular_Classification_in.5.aspx
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