Tate AR, McClure PW, Kareha S, Irwin D
The objective of this study was to determine whether manually repositioning the scapula using the Scapula Reposition Test (SRT) reduces pain and increases shoulder elevation strength in athletes with and without positive signs of shoulder impingement. 142 college athletes underwent testing for clinical signs of shoulder impingement. Tests provoking symptoms were repeated with the scapula manually repositioned into greater retraction and posterior tilt. Of the 98 athletes with a positive impingement test, 46 had reduced pain with scapular repositioning. Although repositioning produced an increase in strength in both the impingement and non-impingement groups, a significant increase in strength was found with repositioning in only 26% of athletes with, and 29% of athletes without positive signs for shoulder impingement.
The Scapula Reposition Test is a simple clinical test that may potentially be useful in an impairment based classification approach to shoulder problems.
Journal of Orthopedic and Sports Physical Therapy, 2008, 38(1), 4-11
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