Adherence of Patients to Methods of Self-Reduction of Shoulder Dislocation Taught via Smartphones: A Medium-Term Follow-up Survey.

INTRODUCTION: Self-reduction of a shoulder dislocation may reduce the time from injury to reduction and to the relief of patient discomfort. The purpose of this study was to assess adherence to earlier acquired self-reduction techniques during real-time recurrent shoulder dislocation. METHODS: A telephone survey was conducted among 58 patients previously taught shoulder self-reduction via an instructional video sent to their smartphones during a visit to the emergency department (ED) for the treatment of anterior shoulder dislocation. Participants were queried on recurrent dislocations, use of self-reduction methods, success rate, the effect that instruction in self-reduction had on their willingness to participate in recreational sports activities, on the decision to avoid surgery, and on the overall level of satisfaction with self-reduction methods. RESULTS: Forty-five patients (77.6%; average age 31.4±11.7 y, 10 females) were available for follow-up at an average 60.8±11.0 mo after the index visit to the ED. Eighteen of 23 patients (78.2%) who experienced a recurrent dislocation during the follow-up period attempted self-reduction, and 12 of them successfully achieved self-reduction. Sixteen patients (35.6%) reported that the knowledge in self-reduction increased their willingness to participate in recreational sports activities, whereas 4 (8.9%) patients reported that knowledge in self-reduction affected their decision not to undergo surgical stabilization. CONCLUSIONS: Individuals who sustain recurrent shoulder dislocations should be educated on shoulder self-reduction with the aims of minimizing discomfort, obviating referral to the ED, and motivating participation in recreational activities.

Patient Expectations of Pain Versus Experienced Expectations of Pain Following Shoulder Injection.

PURPOSE: Corticosteroids, platelet-rich plasma, and hyaluronic acid injections to either the subacromial space (SAS) or the glenohumeral joint (GHJ) of the shoulder are commonly used for diagnostic and therapeutic purposes in outpatient settings. The first aim of this study was to determine whether the anticipated pain level differed significantly from the actual pain level experienced by patients who underwent shoulder injections. The second aim was to determine whether there was a significant difference in these pain levels between SAS and GHJ injections. The secondary goal was to investigate the correlation between patients' demographic data, anxiety characteristics, and pain scores. DESIGN: Prospective clinical study. METHODS: This study involved patients who completed a three-part questionnaire prior as well as following an injections to the GHJ\SAS. FINDINGS: Sixty-three patients (28 males; 35 females), mean age of 54.28 years (standard deviation 13.95, range 25 to 84) met the inclusion criteria. There was a significant difference between the anticipated and the experienced pain (visual analog score 6.03 vs 3.17, P < .001). Experienced pain of the GHJ injections (n = 34) was rated as being greater than that of the SAS injections (n = 29) with borderline significance (visual analog scale 3.79 vs 2.36; P = .05). Forty-five patients (71.42%) reported a decrease in at least one pain category between anticipated and experienced pain compared to an increase reported by two patients (3.17%). CONCLUSIONS: Injections to the GHJ and SAS were shown to be significantly less painful than anticipated by the patients. GHJ injections were perceived as more painful than SAS injections. Communicating this evidence-based reassuring information with patients prior to an injection may alleviate fear of the procedure, reduce the perception of pain, and ultimately improve compliance with the procedure.

Shoulder assessment by smartphone: a valid alternative for times of social distancing.

BACKGROUND: The delivery of orthopaedic care via telemedicine services has the potential to promote accessibility and decrease medical care expenses, while facilitating the control of infectious disease spreading. The purpose of this study was to assess agreement regarding diagnosis, recommended course of management and the perceived need for additional diagnostic testing between a video examination (VE) and a face to face (FTF) assessment of patients with shoulder disorders. METHODS: Forty-seven (18 females) patients presenting to a shoulder surgery clinic were assessed consecutively by VE and a FTF examination. All assessments were conducted by a shoulder specialist. Agreement regarding the established diagnosis, the recommended course of management and the need for additional diagnostic tests was assessed using percent agreement and kappa (95% CI) coefficient. Differences in the content, duration and satisfaction between the two examination modes were also assessed. RESULTS: Percent agreement and kappa (95% CI) coefficient for agreement regarding diagnosis were 85.1% and 0.82 (0.69-0.94), respectively. Percent agreement and kappa (95% CI) coefficient regarding the recommended course of management and the need for additional diagnostic testing were 61.7% and 0.43 (0.22-0.63), and 74.5% and 0.49 (0.25-0.74), respectively. The VE resulted in collection of less physical examination information, took longer to complete and was associated with less satisfaction by both patient and examiner. CONCLUSIONS: Video examination of patients with shoulder disorders may present a valid alternative to FTF examination. Nevertheless, the content of the video-based physical examination may need to be modified to facilitate a clearer detection of indications for specific interventions or diagnostic tests.

Bending the Elbow During Shoulder Flexion Facilitates Greater Scapular Upward Rotation and a More Favorable Scapular Muscle Activation Pattern.

CONTEXT: Decreased scapular upward rotation (UR) and diminished activation of the serratus anterior (SA) and lower trapezius (LT) are often observed among patients with subacromial impingement syndrome. Maintaining the elbow fully flexed during shoulder flexion may limit glenohumeral motion due to passive insufficiency of the triceps brachii and therefore facilitate greater scapular UR and increased scapular muscle activation. OBJECTIVES: To compare scapular UR, SA, upper trapezius (UT), middle trapezius, and LT activation levels between shoulder flexion with the elbow extended (Flexion-EE) to shoulder flexion with the elbow fully flexed (Flexion-EF). This study hypothesized that Flexion-EF would result in greater scapular UR, greater SA and LT activation, and a lower UT/SA and UT/LT activation ratio compared with Flexion-EE. DESIGN: Cross-sectional study. SETTING: A clinical biomechanics laboratory. PARTICIPANTS: Twenty-two healthy individuals. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: Scapular UR and electromyography signal of the SA, UT, middle trapezius, and LT, as well as UT/SA and UT/LT activation ratio were measured during Flexion-EE and Flexion-EF. RESULTS: Flexion-EF resulted in greater scapular UR compared with Flexion-EE (P < .001). Flexion-EF resulted in greater SA activation, lower UT activation, and a lower UT/SA activation ratio compared with Flexion-EE (P < .001). CONCLUSIONS: Fully flexing the elbow during shoulder flexion leads to increased scapular UR primarily through greater activation of the SA. This exercise may be of value in circumstances involving diminished scapular UR, decreased activation of the SA, and an overly active UT such as among patients with subacromial impingement syndrome.

The infraspinatus test may not be used to screen for shoulder external rotator strength deficits among patients with shoulder pathology.

BACKGROUND: The infraspinatus test is often used to determine the presence of shoulder external rotator strength deficits. As the accuracy of this test has not been established adequately, the purpose of this study was to determine the accuracy of the infraspinatus test in detecting shoulder external rotator strength deficits. METHODS: Sixty-two patients with a unilateral shoulder disorder underwent the infraspinatus test followed by instrumented assessment of shoulder external rotator muscle strength. The infraspinatus test was rated positive or negative based on the presence or absence of a strength deficit on the involved compared with the uninvolved shoulder. The instrumented strength assessment was rated positive or negative based on 4 cutoff thresholds for the presence of a strength deficit on the involved side: ≥10%, ≥15%, ≥20%, or ≥30%. The Sensitivity, specificity, positive and negative likelihood ratio of the infraspinatus test was determined based on each cutoff threshold. RESULTS: Sensitivity ranged from 52.5 to 61.1%, specificity ranged from 72.7 to 90.9%, the positive likelihood ratio ranged from 2.24 to 5.77, while the negative likelihood ratio ranged from 0.52 to 0.59. CONCLUSIONS: As considerable external rotator strength deficits may frequently exist among patients with a negative infraspinatus test, this test may not serve a good screening test for external rotator strength deficits. Contrarily, clinicians can be reasonably certain of the presence of an external rotator strength deficit given a positive infraspinatus test.

Video examination via the smartphone: A reliable tool for shoulder function assessment using the constant score.

BACKGROUND: The use of video examinations (VE) may improve patient care by offering them a low-cost and easy access to physicians, save traveling expenses and shorten waiting time. The aim of this study was to validate the use of Smartphones for distant assessment of shoulder function by comparing the Constant scores (CS) of patients obtained by both VE and conventional face-to-face (FTF) examination. METHODS: Fifty-one subjects (age 19-80 years; women:men 18:33) who presented to a shoulder clinic with a variety of complaints were prospectively recruited and underwent FTF and VE in alternating order. CS obtained by the two methods were compared. Four patients were unable to complete the VE due to technical problems or non-compliance. RESULTS: Forty-seven (92%) subjects successfully completed both examinations. The mean difference in CS was -0.53 points (95%CI: -2.6:1.6), with limits of agreement of -7.7:6 points. Agreement of correlation coefficient, accuracy and precision were 0.91 (95%CI: 0.86:0.96), 0.99 (95%CI: 0.92:1.00) and 0.91 (95%CI: 0.86:0.96), respectively. CONCLUSION: VE can obtain a reliable estimate of shoulder function. The mean video CS was only -0.53 points from the mean frontal CS. Individual variations of CS did not exceed a 7-point distance from the "gold standard" estimate.

Utility of the Overhead Squat and Forward Arm Squat in Screening for Limited Ankle Dorsiflexion.

Rabin, A and Kozol, Z. Utility of the overhead squat and forward arm squat in screening for limited ankle dorsiflexion. J Strength Cond Res 31(5): 1251-1258, 2017-Limited ankle dorsiflexion (DF) range of motion (ROM) has been implicated in several lower extremity disorders. Effective screening for DF ROM may, therefore, help to identify "at risk" individuals. The primary purpose of this study was to determine the utility of 2 screening tests in detecting limited ankle DF ROM. Fifty-three healthy participants underwent an overhead squat (OS) test and a forward arm squat (FAS) test, as well as bilateral testing of weight-bearing and non-weight-bearing ankle DF ROM. Participants whose DF ROM fell below 1 SD from the sample average were considered to have limited DF ROM. The sensitivity, specificity, positive, and negative likelihood ratio (LR) of the OS and FAS in detecting individuals with limited DF ROM was calculated. The sensitivity of the OS was 1.00 regardless of the mode or the side of testing, whereas specificity ranged from 0.34 to 0.36. The positive LR of the OS ranged from 1.52 to 1.56, whereas negative LR was 0.00. The sensitivity of the FAS ranged from 0.56 to 0.70, whereas specificity ranged from 0.84 to 0.88. The positive and negative LR of the FAS ranged from 3.49 to 6.02, and 0.34 to 0.53, respectively. Our findings suggest that the OS and FAS may be used as complementing tests in screening for ankle DF limitation. Because of its excellent sensitivity, the OS should be performed first, and if negative, may confidently rule out limited DF ROM. However, given a positive OS, testing should proceed with the FAS, to more confidently rule in limited DF ROM.

The Association Between Visual Assessment of Quality of Movement and Three-Dimensional Analysis of Pelvis, Hip, and Knee Kinematics During a Lateral Step Down Test.

Rabin, A, Portnoy, S, and Kozol, Z. The association between visual assessment of quality of movement and three-dimensional analysis of pelvis, hip, and knee kinematics during a lateral step down test. J Strength Cond Res 30(11): 3204-3211, 2016-Altered movement patterns including contralateral pelvic drop, increased hip adduction, knee abduction, and external rotation have been previously implicated in several lower extremity pathologies. Although various methods exist for assessing movement patterns, real-time visual observation is the most readily available method. The purpose of this study was to determine whether differing visual ratings of trunk, pelvis, and knee alignment, as well as overall quality of movement, are associated with differences in 3-dimensional trunk, pelvis, hip, or knee kinematics during a lateral step down test. Trunk, pelvis, and knee alignment of 30 healthy participants performing the lateral step down were visually rated as "good" or "faulty" based on previously established criteria. An additional categorization of overall quality of movement as either good or moderate was performed based on the aggregate score of each individual rating criterion. Three-dimensional motion analysis of trunk, pelvis, hip, and knee kinematics was simultaneously performed. A faulty pelvis alignment displayed a greater peak contralateral pelvic drop (effect size [ES], 1.65; p < 0.01) and a greater peak hip adduction (ES: 1.04, p = 0.01) compared with participants with a good pelvis alignment. Participants with a faulty knee alignment displayed greater peak knee external rotation compared with participants with a good knee alignment (ES, 0.78; p = 0.02). Participants with an overall moderate quality of movement displayed increased peak contralateral pelvic drop (ES, 1.07; p = 0.01) and peak knee external rotation (ES, 0.72; p = 0.04) compared with those with an overall good quality of movement. Visual rating of quality of movement during a lateral step down test, as performed by an experienced physical therapist, is associated with differences in several kinematics previously implicated in various pathologies.

Apprehension-Based Training: A Novel Treatment Concept for Anterior Shoulder Dislocation - A Case Report.

Background and Purpose: Conservative management of anterior shoulder dislocation (ASD) is associated with greater recurrence compared with surgical management. Current rehabilitation protocols may not adequately challenge shoulder stability to encourage adaptive coping strategies. Apprehension-based training (ABT) is a new treatment concept derived from the supine moving apprehension test (SMAT), a previously validated performance measure among patients with ASD. The purpose of this case report is to describe the application of ABT in a patient with recurrent ASD. Study Design: Case report. Case Description: The subject was a 23-year-old male with bilateral recurrent ASD. The subject underwent a 17-week exercise program involving gradual exposure to increased anterior instability loads based on the SMAT movement pattern. The Western Ontario Shoulder Instability Index (WOSI), Patient-Specific Functional Scale (PFPS), Tampa Scale of Kinesiophobia, SMAT, shoulder internal and external rotation muscle strength were measured via hand-held dynomometry before and after training. Outcomes: Following treatment, clinically meaningful gains in quality of life (WOSI) and shoulder function (PSFS) were noted. Kinesiophobia decreased, SMAT and shoulder internal rotator strength increased beyond their respective minimal detectable change. Four months after treatment, quality of life and shoulder function remained improved, and the subject reported a reduced rate of ASD. Discussion: Apprehension-based training involving gradual exposure to shoulder instability loads may hold potential for improving the management of patients with ASD. Further testing of this concept is warranted. Level of Evidence: 4, single case report.

The supine moving apprehension test-Reliability and validity among healthy individuals and patients with anterior shoulder instability.

Background: Performance-based tests for patients with anterior shoulder dislocation are lacking. This study determined the reliability and validity of the supine moving apprehension test designed to assess the ability to control anterior instability loads. Methods: Thirty-six participants were recruited (18 healthy individuals, and 18 patients following anterior shoulder dislocation). Healthy participants performed the supine moving apprehension test on 2 separate occasions to determine test-retest reliability. Patients completed the supine moving apprehension test and the Western Ontario Shoulder Instability index before and 6 months after surgical stabilization of their shoulder. The presence of anterior apprehension was also documented post-operatively. Results: The supine moving apprehension test demonstrated good test-retest reliability (intraclass correlation coefficient = 0.74-0.84). Patients performed 18-30 repetitions less than healthy individuals during the supine moving apprehension test (P < 0.01). A strong correlation was found between supine moving apprehension test scores and Western Ontario Shoulder Instability post-operatively (r = -0.74, P ≤ 0.01). Supine moving apprehension test scores significantly improved among patients following surgery (P < 0.01). Patients with a negative apprehension test post-operatively performed the supine moving apprehension test significantly better than patients with a positive apprehension test (P < 0.01). Conclusions: The supine moving apprehension test is reliable and valid among patients with anterior shoulder dislocation and may serve to assess patients' ability to control shoulder anterior instability loads.

Regaining motion among patients with shoulder pathology - are all exercises equal?

Background: Little information exists to guide the choice of exercise for regaining shoulder range of motion (ROM). The purpose of this study was to compare the maximal ROM reached, pain and difficulty associated with 4 commonly prescribed exercises. Methods: Forty (9 females) patients with various shoulder disorders and a limited flexion ROM performed 4 exercises for regaining shoulder flexion ROM in a randomized order. Exercises included the self-assisted flexion, forward bow, table slide and rope-and-pulley. Participants were videotaped while performing all exercises and the maximal flexion angle reached during each exercise was recorded using Kinovea motion analysis freeware (Kinovea 0.8.15). Pain intensity and the perceived level of difficulty associated with each exercise were also recorded. Results: The forward bow and table slide generated significantly greater ROM compared with the self-assisted flexion and rope-and-pulley (P ≤ 0.005). The self-assisted flexion was associated with a greater pain intensity compared with the table slide and rope-and-pulley (P = 0.002) and a greater perceived level of difficulty compared with the table slide (P = 0.006). Conclusions: Due to the greater ROM allowed, and similar or even lower level of pain or difficulty, clinicians may wish to initially recommend the forward bow and table slide for regaining shoulder flexion ROM.

Measures of range of motion and strength among healthy women with differing quality of lower extremity movement during the lateral step-down test.

STUDY DESIGN: Cross-sectional. OBJECTIVE: To determine the association between hip and ankle range-of-motion measures, as well as measures of hip muscle strength, with measures of quality of lower extremity movement, as assessed visually during the lateral step-down test in healthy women. BACKGROUND: Altered lower extremity movement pattern consisting of excessive femoral adduction and internal rotation, leading to excessive knee valgus alignment, is associated with increased risk of knee ligament injury, as well as patellofemoral pain syndrome. Previous investigations of lower extremity kinematics, using 3-dimensional motion analysis systems, document an inconsistent association between hip muscle strength and lower extremity movement pattern. Currently, it is unknown whether differences in hip muscle strength or other physical measures exist among women with differing quality of lower extremity movement as assessed by visual observation. METHODS: Two physical therapists assessed the quality of movement during the lateral step-down among 29 healthy women (mean ± SD age, 24.3 ± 3.2 years). Subjects were instructed on the optimal movement pattern prior to performing the test. The quality of movement was categorized as "good" or "moderate," based on a previously established 6-point scale. Several measures of hip strength (handheld dynamometer) and hip and ankle range of motion (fluid-filled inclinometer and universal goniometer) were also assessed. Differences in strength and range-of-motion measures between women with good and women with moderate quality of movement were assessed with a Mann-Whitney U test. RESULTS: Both examiners found decreased ankle dorsiflexion range of motion, as measured with the knee bent (P<.05 and P<.01 for examiner 1 and 2, respectively) and in weight bearing (P<.001 and P<.01 for examiner 1 and 2, respectively) among women with a moderate quality of movement compared to women with a good quality of movement on the lateral step-down test. CONCLUSION: Following receipt of instructions on optimal lower extremity movement pattern, women who demonstrate a moderate quality of movement, as assessed visually during the lateral step-down test, exhibit decreased ankle dorsiflexion range of motion compared to women with a good quality of movement. Clinicians should consider evaluating ankle dorsiflexion range of motion when observing an altered lower extremity movement pattern during the lateral step-down test.

Shoulder pain and scapular dyskinesis associated with lower trapezius dysplasia - A case report.

BACKGROUND: Scapular dyskinesis (SD) has been associated with shoulder soft-tissue tightness as well scapular muscle strength and/or activation deficits. Inadequate development of the trapezius muscle (trapezius dysplasia) is a relatively rare condition inconsistently associated with shoulder dysfunction. CASE DESCRIPTION: a 24-year old male complaining of left scapular area pain associated with SD and scapular muscle weakness was noted to present with a smaller ipsilateral lower trapezius (LT). Further inquiry including electromyography, rehabilitative ultrasound imaging (RUSI) and magnetic resonance imaging ruled out nerve palsy and demonstrated a hypoplastic left LT. This led to a greater emphasis on serratus anterior (SA) training along with the addition of neuromuscular electrical stimulation of the LT. OUTCOMES: Following 12 sessions over a 5-month period the patient reported no pain or functional deficits, and was able to resume all recreational activities. The patient's subjective shoulder value increased from 55% to 80%, and LT strength was markedly improved. DISCUSSION: Scapular muscle dysplasia may represent a less recognized cause of SD. A more thorough inspection of scapular muscle shape and orientation, possibly augmented by RUSI may be indicated in patients presenting with SD. Neuromuscular electrical stimulation is a potentially useful modality for addressing scapular muscle activation and strength deficits and future research into its efficacy under these circumstances may be warranted.

Initial pain and disability characteristics can assist the prediction of the centralization phenomenon on initial assessment of patients with low back pain.

OBJECTIVES: Determine whether the achievement of the centralization phenomenon on initial assessment of patients with low back pain (LBP) can be predicted by history and physical examination variables. METHODS: Ninety patients referred to physical therapy due to LBP completed pain, disability, and fear-avoidance questionnaires, followed by a complete history and a physical examination based on mechanical diagnosis and therapy principles. Patients were subsequently classified as centralizers or noncentralizers. Univariate, followed by multivariate analysis was performed to identify history and physical examination variables that predicted the occurrence of the CP. Factors retained in the multivariate analysis were used to develop a clinical prediction rule (CPR). RESULTS: Twenty-eight patients (31%) were classified as centralizers immediately following assessment. Three predictors were retained in the multivariate analysis: (1) modified Oswestry Disability Index score lower than 33%; (2) intensity of the most distal symptom lower than 6/10; and (3) back pain equal to or greater than leg pain. The resultant CPR indicated the presence of all three variables increased the post-test likelihood of the CP to 57%. DISCUSSION: The findings of this study suggest the CP may be considerably more likely in less severe cases of LBP characterized by lower disability, lower intensity of distal symptoms, and a greater back-versus-leg pain intensity. Pending future validation, the CPR developed in this study may aide decision making regarding the initial management strategy of patients with LBP.

The association of visually-assessed quality of movement during jump-landing with ankle dorsiflexion range-of-motion and hip abductor muscle strength among healthy female athletes.

OBJECTIVE: To explore the association between ankle dorsiflexion (DF) range of motion (ROM), and hip abductor muscle strength, to visually-assessed quality of movement during jump-landing. DESIGN: Cross-sectional. SETTING: Gymnasium of participating teams. PARTICIPANTS: 37 female volleyball players. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: Quality of movement in the frontal-plane, sagittal-plane, and overall (both planes) was visually rated as "good/moderate" or "poor". Weight-bearing Ankle DF ROM and hip abductor muscle strength were compared between participants with differing quality of movement. RESULTS: Weight-bearing DF ROM on both sides was decreased among participants with "poor" sagittal-plane quality of movement (dominant side: 50.8° versus 43.6°, P = .02; non-dominant side: 54.6° versus 45.9°, P = .01), as well as among participants with an overall "poor" quality of movement (dominant side: 51.8° versus 44.0°, P < .01; non-dominant side: 56.5° versus 45.1°, P < .01). Weight-bearing ankle DF on the non-dominant side was decreased among participants with a "poor" frontal-plane quality of movement (53.9° versus 46.0°, P = .02). No differences in hip abductor muscle strength were noted between participants with differing quality of movement. CONCLUSIONS: Visual assessment of jump-landing can detect differences in quality of movement that are associated with ankle DF ROM. Clinicians observing a poor quality of movement may wish to assess ankle DF ROM.

Agreement Between Visual Assessment and 2-Dimensional Analysis During Jump Landing Among Healthy Female Athletes.

CONTEXT: Altered movement patterns, including increased frontal-plane knee movement and decreased sagittal-plane hip and knee movement, have been associated with several knee disorders. Nevertheless, the ability of clinicians to visually detect such altered movement patterns during high-speed athletic tasks is relatively unknown. OBJECTIVE: To explore the association between visual assessment and 2-dimensional (2D) analysis of frontal-plane knee movement and sagittal-plane hip and knee movement during a jump-landing task among healthy female athletes. DESIGN: Cross-sectional study. SETTING: Gymnasiums of participating volleyball teams. PATIENTS OR OTHER PARTICIPANTS: A total of 39 healthy female volleyball players (age = 21.0 ± 5.2 years, height = 172.0 ± 8.6 cm, mass = 64.2 ± 7.2 kg) from Divisions I and II of the Israeli Volleyball Association. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURE(S): Frontal-plane knee movement and sagittal-plane hip and knee movement during jump landing were visually rated as good, moderate, or poor based on previously established criteria. Frontal-plane knee excursion and sagittal-plane hip and knee excursions were measured using free motion-analysis software and compared among athletes with different visual ratings of the corresponding movements. RESULTS: Participants with different visual ratings of frontal-plane knee movement displayed differences in 2D frontal-plane knee excursion ( P < .01), whereas participants with different visual ratings of sagittal-plane hip and knee movement displayed differences in 2D sagittal-plane hip and knee excursions ( P < .01). CONCLUSIONS: Visual ratings of frontal-plane knee movement and sagittal-plane hip and knee movement were associated with differences in the corresponding 2D hip and knee excursions. Visual rating of these movements may serve as an initial screening tool for detecting altered movement patterns during jump landings.

A positive scapular assistance test is equally present in various shoulder disorders but more commonly found among patients with scapular dyskinesis.

OBJECTIVE: Assess the frequency of a positive scapular assistance test (SAT) in different shoulder disorders and establish its association with scapular dyskinesis. DESIGN: Cross-sectional. SETTING: Shoulder clinic. PARTICIPANTS: Seventy-four patients. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: The SAT and visual assessment of scapular movement were performed by a physical therapist. An orthopaedic surgeon classified participants into 4 diagnostic categories: rotator cuff disease, superior labrum anterior posterior lesion (SLAP), shoulder instability, and other. RESULTS: Twenty-seven (36.5%) participants presented with a positive SAT. The SAT was positive among 9 of 28 participants (32.1%) with rotator cuff disease, 7 of 23 participants (30.4%) with SLAP lesions, 9 of 21 participants (42.9%) with shoulder instability, and 2 of 2 participants (100.0%) with other pathologies. The frequency of a positive SAT did not differ between the various diagnostic categories (P = 0.64). The SAT was more frequently positive among participants with scapular dyskinesis (48.5% versus 26.8%, P = 0.05). CONCLUSIONS: The SAT is found similarly positive among patients with various common shoulder disorders. Although associated with scapular dyskinesis, the SAT was positive in less than half of those demonstrating scapular dyskinesis suggesting the SAT may help identify patients in whom altered scapular movement is contributing to shoulder pain.

The intertester reliability of the Scapular Assistance Test.

STUDY DESIGN: Test-retest reliability study. OBJECTIVE: To determine interrater reliability of the modified scapular assistance test (SAT). The modified SAT is designed to assess the contribution of scapular motion to shoulder pain. BACKGROUND: Abnormal scapular motion has been implicated in different shoulder disorders. However, there is a lack of clinical evaluation tools to assess the scapular component of shoulder dysfunction. METHODS AND MEASURES: Forty-six subjects who were referred to physical therapy for treatment of various shoulder pathologies were recruited for this study. The modified SAT was performed on each participant by 2 different examiners. Percent agreement and kappa coefficient were utilized to determine interrater reliability of the modified SAT. RESULTS: The kappa coefficient and percent agreement were .53 and 77%, respectively, when the test was performed in the scapular plane, and .62 and 91%, respectively, when the test was performed in the sagittal plane. CONCLUSIONS: The modified SAT possesses acceptable interrater reliability for clinical use.

The Association of Ankle Dorsiflexion Range of Motion With Hip and Knee Kinematics During the Lateral Step-down Test.

Study Design Controlled laboratory study. Background Altered hip and knee kinematics have been associated with several knee disorders, including anterior cruciate ligament tear, patellofemoral pain, and iliotibial band syndrome. Limited ankle dorsiflexion (DF) range of motion (ROM), which has been linked with some of these disorders, has also been associated with altered knee kinematics. Objective To explore the association of ankle DF ROM with hip and knee kinematics during a step-down task. Methods Thirty healthy participants underwent a 3-D analysis of hip and knee kinematics during a lateral step-down test, followed by measurement of ankle DF ROM in weight bearing (WB) and non-weight bearing (NWB). Participants were dichotomized using the median values into low- and high-DF subgroups within both WB and NWB. Hip and knee kinematics were compared between the low- and high-DF subgroups. Results Participants in the low-DF subgroups exhibited greater peak hip adduction (WB, P = .02; NWB, P<.01) and greater peak knee external rotation (WB, P = .02; NWB, P<.01) compared with participants in the high-DF subgroups. In addition, participants in the low-DF WB subgroup exhibited decreased peak knee flexion compared with participants in the high-DF WB subgroup (P<.01). Conclusion Individuals with lower ankle DF ROM exhibited hip and knee kinematics previously associated with several knee disorders, suggesting that this impairment may be involved in the pathogenesis of the same disorders. Assessment of ankle DF ROM may be useful as part of a preparticipation screening. Furthermore, deficits in ankle DF ROM may need to be addressed in individuals with altered movement patterns. J Orthop Sports Phys Ther 2016;46(11):-1. Epub 29 Sep 2016. doi:10.2519/jospt.2016.6621.

A new real-time visual assessment method for faulty movement patterns during a jump-landing task.

OBJECTIVE: Determine the interrater reliability of a new real-time assessment of faulty movement patterns during a jump-landing task. DESIGN: Interrater reliability study. SETTING: Human movement laboratory. PARTICIPANTS: 50 healthy females. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: Assessment included 6 items which were evaluated from a front and a side view. Two Physical Therapy students used a 9-point scale (0-8) to independently rate the quality of movement as good (0-2), moderate (3-5), or poor (6-8). Interrater reliability was expressed by percent agreement and weighted kappa. RESULTS: One examiner rated the quality of movement of 6 subjects as good, 34 subjects as moderate, and 10 subjects as poor. The second examiner rated the quality of movement of 12 subjects as good, 23 subjects as moderate, and 15 subjects as poor. Percent agreement and weighted kappa (95% confidence interval) were 78% and 0.68 (0.51, 0.85), respectively. CONCLUSIONS: A new real-time assessment of faulty movement patterns during jump-landing demonstrated adequate interrater reliability. Further study is warranted to validate this method against a motion analysis system, as well as to establish its predictive validity for injury.