Relationship of glenohumeral elevation and 3-dimensional scapular kinematics with disability in patients with shoulder disorders.

Objective: To determine variables among glenohumeral elevation and 3-dimensional scapular rotations that are related to shoulder function as assessed by the Disability of the Arm, Shoulder and Hand-Disability/Symptom (DASH-D/S) scale.

Design: Prospective, cross-sectional study.

Patients: Eighty-eight patients with shoulder pain and limited range of motion were included.

Methods: Each patient performed 2 full active range of motion activities, forward flexion and abduction, and 2 activities of daily living, combing hair and simulating washing the back. Glenohumeral elevation and scapular rotations were measured by the Polhemus Fastrak electromagnetic system.

Results: On multiple regression analysis, glenohumeral elevation in combing hair and scapular lateral rotation in both abduction and simulating washing the back were the best predictors of shoulder function and explained 39.7% of the variance of the DASH-D/S score.

Conclusion: These findings support the classical rehabilitation of the shoulder based on glenohumeral elevation and suggest the importance of attention paid to scapular lateral rotation.