[ research report ] t Study deSign: Two-group, repeatedmeasures design.t ObjectiveS: 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.t backgrOund: Symptom alteration tests may be useful in determining a subset of those with shoulder pathology who may benefit from interventions aimed at improving scapular motion abnormalities.t MethOdS and MeaSureS: One hundred forty-two 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. A numeric rating scale was used to measure symptom intensity under both conditions. Isometric shoulder elevation strength was measured using a mounted dynamometer with the scapula in its natural position and with manual repositioning. A paired t test was used to compare the strength between positions. The frequency of a significant increase in strength with scapular repositioning, defined as the minimal detectable change (90% confidence interval), was also assessed.t reSultS: 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 (P = .001) and nonimpingement groups (P = .012), 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. 27,51 In addition to the variability of findings in these studies, the magnitude of differences between those with healthy shoulders and those with pathology is typically small (in the 3° to 5° range), and it is unclear whether these differences, although statistically significant, are really of clinical significance. Because of the variability of findings in symptomatic subjects and the generally small kinematic differences found compared to asymptomatic subjects, correctly identifying patients with relevant scapular dysfunction is difficult.An alternative approach in attempting to identify those with scapular motion abnormalities is the use of symptom altering tests. The premise of these tests is to assess the magnitude of symptoms during provocation tests or shoulder movements when the scapula is in its natural position and then to repeat the provocative tests and shoulder movements with the examiner manually altering scapular motion or position. Two symptom alteration tests have been reported in the literature. The Modified Scapular Assistance test involves application of both an upward rotary and retraction force to the scapula by a single examiner in an effort to reduce pain during arm elevation. Rabin et al 40 reported satisfactory interrater reliability of this test for clinical use. The Scapula Retraction Test has been described as 1 Physical Therapist, H/S Therapy Associates, Inc, Lower Gwynedd, PA; Associate Fac...