Clinical measurement of the thoracic kyphosis. A study of the intra-rater reliability in subjects with and without shoulder pain.

Background: Clinical sagittal plane assessment of the thoracic kyphosis angle is considered an essential component of the postural examination of patients presenting with upper body pain syndromes. Cervical headaches and conditions involving the shoulder, such as subacromial pain syndrome, have all been associated with an increase in the thoracic kyphosis. Concomitantly a decrease in the thoracic kyphosis as a result of a stretching and strengthening rehabilitation programme is believed to be associated with a reduction in symptoms and pain and improvement in function.

Intraobserver reliability of angular and linear measurements of scapular position in subjects with and without symptoms.

Objective: To assess intraobserver reliability of angular and linear clinical measurements of scapular position.

Design: Test-retest analyses.

Setting: Outpatient department in National Health Service teaching hospital in the United Kingdom.

The pectoralis minor length test: a study of the intra-rater reliability and diagnostic accuracy in subjects with and without shoulder symptoms.

Background: Postural abnormality and muscle imbalance are thought to contribute to pain and a loss of normal function in the upper body. A shortened pectoralis minor muscle is commonly identified as part of this imbalance. Clinical tests have been recommended to test for shortening of this muscle.

Intraobserver reliability of 4 physiologic movements of the shoulder in subjects with and without symptoms.

Objective: To assess intraobserver reliability of 4 physiologic movements of the shoulder.

Design: Test-retest analyses. Blinded data entry.