Analysis of scapular kinematics during active and passive arm elevation

Abstract

[Purpose] Early postoperative passive motion exercise after arthroscopic rotator cuff repair remains controversial. To better understand this issue, this study was aimed at evaluating scapular kinematics and muscle activities during passive arm elevation in healthy subjects. [Subjects and Methods] The dominant shoulders of 27 healthy subjects were examined. Electromagnetic sensors attached to the scapula, thorax, and humerus were used to determine three-dimensional scapular kinematics during active arm elevation with or without external loads and passive arm elevation. Simultaneously, the activities of seven shoulder muscles were recorded with surface and intramuscular fine-wire electrodes. [Results] Compared with active arm elevation, passive elevation between 30° and 100° significantly decreased the scapular upward rotation and increased the glenohumeral elevation angle. However, no significant differences in scapular posterior tilt and external rotation were observed between active and passive arm elevation, and scapular plane kinematics were not affected by muscle activity. [Conclusion] Unlike active motion with or without an external load, passive arm elevation significantly decreased the scapular upward rotation and significantly increased the mid-range glenohumeral elevation. These data, which suggest that passive arm elevation should be avoided during the early postoperative period, may expand the understanding of rehabilitation after arthroscopic rotator cuff repair.

Application of statistical parametric mapping for comparison of scapular kinematics and EMG

“…We also conducted interval averaging analysis and qualitatively compared to the SPM results. Mean humeral elevation angles were calculated over both 10° (Kai et al, 2016;Kon et al, 2008) and 30° intervals (Camci et al, 2013;De Castro et al, 2014;Michener et al, 2016). A Type I error rate of 0.05 was used in all tests.…”

Overview of Various Measurement Tools for Shoulder Kinematics

“…However, the electromagnetic tracking method has limitations in that it is difficult to measure the scapular movement for the overhead activity of 120° or more due to the skin-bone displacement and the error by the marker being located in the skin. 20,22) In particular, an error occurs as the elevation angle increases. 13,21,23)…”

Influence of Brassiere Wearing on Shoulder Kinematics

“…Three-dimensional shoulder kinematic analysis of patients with shoulder disease is frequently performed, and the kinematic characteristics of subjects have been reported. [1][2][3][4][5] These studies typically involve various comparisons, such as between dominant and non-dominant sides, 6,7) unilateral and bilateral elevation, 8) active and passive elevation, 9,10) and elevation speed and external load. [11][12][13] In studies involving healthy subjects, a gender difference in scapular motion during arm elevation has been reported.…”