Date Presented Accepted for AOTA INSPIRE 2021 but unable to be presented due to online event limitations.
This study describes the interrater reliability of a novel goniometric technique to measure scapular protraction and retraction. Measurements obtained by two experienced OTs demonstrated a standard error of measure of less than 4 degrees using this technique on a healthy sample of adults (N = 80). This technique may offer a more reliable method to assess scapular mobility as an essential motor component of occupational performance.
Primary Author and Speaker: Nathan Short
Additional Authors and Speakers: Michelle Mays, Abigail Baist, Anthony Clifton, Adam Horty, Micaela Kosty, Courtney Olson, and Riddhi Patel
Contributing Authors: Thomas Almonreoder
PURPOSE: The purpose of the current study is to analyze the inter-rater reliability of a novel goniometric method to measure scapular protraction and retraction.
DESIGN: The researchers employed an observational, descriptive design. A healthy sample of adults who were over the age of 18 and had no known shoulder pathology that would limited scapular mobility were included in the study in partnership with a local YMCA.
METHOD: Two evaluators who were experienced occupational therapists (OTs) as well as certified hand therapists (CHTs) used standard, 12-inch goniometers for goniometric measurements. Goniometric measurements of the scapula at rest, in maximal protraction, and maximal retraction were obtained from each participant, independently, by each evaluator. The goniometer was aligned on the scapula using the superior angle as the axis of motion to measure the movement of the acromion relative to the frontal plane.
RESULTS: The sample (n = 80) represented a range of 19-84 years of age with an equitable gender balance (56% male; 44% female). The standard error of measure (SEM) values between the two evaluators for resting, protracted, and retracted positions were 3.46°, 2.93°, and 2.74°, respectively.
CONCLUSION: The SEM between the two evaluators for each scapular position was less than four degrees, supporting clinically acceptable inter-rater reliability. The findings support the use of the described goniometric approach for clinical measurements of scapular protraction and retraction, essential movements of the upper extremity for occupational performance. The findings support the use of the described technique as an assessment method to quantify scapular protraction and retraction, although more research regarding the reliability and validity of the technique is recommended.
References
Short, N., Mays, M., Ford, R., & Fahrney, E. (2019). Proposed method for goniometric measurement of scapular protraction and retraction. Journal of Hand Therapy, 1-2. https://doi.org/ 10.1016/j.jht.2019.02.002
Gates, D. H., Walters, L. S., Cowley, J., Wilken, J. M., & Resnik, L. (2016). Range of motion requirements for upper-limb activities of daily living. American Journal of Occupational Therapy, 70(1), 1-10. https://doi.org/10.5014/ajot.2016.015487
MacDermid, J. C., Chesworth, B. M., Patterson, S., Roth, J. H. (1999). Intratester and intertester reliability of goniometric measurement of passive lateral shoulder rotation. Journal of Hand Therapy, 12(3), 187-192. https://doi.org/10.1016/s0894-1130(99)80045-3
