Ranges of scapular elevation and depression in healthy male subjects
Hasan Hallaceli1, Ali Cımbız2, Uğur Cavlak3, İzge Günal4
1Department of Orthopedics, Medicine Faculty of Suleyman Demirel University
2Department of Physical Therapy and Rehabilitation, Health Institution of Higher Education, Dumlupınar University
3School of Physical Therapy and Rehabilitation, Pamukkale University
4Department of Orthopedics, Medicine Faculty of Dokuz Eylul University
Keywords: Laterality; range of motion, articular/physiology; reference values; scapula/physiology; shoulder joint/physiology.
Abstract
Objectives: Although most of the movements of the joints have been measured in several studies, data on scapular elevation and depression are very few. The aim of this study was to describe the amplitudes of active ranges of scapular elevation and depression in healthy male subjects, together with a comparison between the right and left sides. Materials and methods: A total of 907 healthy righthanded male volunteers (mean age 20.9±1.8 years; range 19 to 30 years) were included in the study. Those with a history of illness, injury, or operation involving any joint of the upper extremity or cervical spine were excluded. Active scapular elevation, depression, and total elevation- depression ranges were measured with a manual goniometer under standardized conditions.
Results: The mean values for the right side elevation, depression, and total elevation and depression were 41.03±5.98, 4.16±4.47, and 36.88±6.19 degrees, respectively. The corresponding values for the left side were 41.88±5.95, 5.38±4.43, 36.50±6.05 degrees, respectively. There were significant differences between the right and left side values of scapular elevation (p=0.002) and depression (p=0.000), including the rest position (p=0.000). However, there was no significant difference between the two sides with respect to the total elevation and depression (p=0.3).
Conclusion: Normal values given in the present study can be used in clinical evaluations. However, due to significant differences between the two sides, contralateral values should not be used as reference.