Date of Award

1996

Document Type

Scholarly Project

Degree Name

Master of Physical Therapy (MPT)

Department

Physical Therapy

First Advisor

Thomas Mohr

Keywords

Scapula

Abstract

Recent literature has focused on instability of the scapulothoracic joint and on resulting scapular positions. Weakness of the scapular musculature can allow the scapula to slide laterally, leading to abnormal glenohumeral biomechanics and to subsequent shoulder pathology. Kibler1 has described the lateral scapular slide test (LSST) as a method of measuring lateral translation of the scapula. A significant difference between right and left scapular positions, as indicated by a discrepancy of greater than one centimeter side-to-side, may indicate functional scapulothoracic instability. The purpose of this study was to evaluate validity of the LSST, measured in two positions. Modified LSST measurements of asymptomatic subjects were compared to measurements of subjects with unilateral glenohumeral impingement. A t-test for independent samples revealed a significant difference between the subject groups in position 1 (p< .05) but not in position 2 (p< .05). Results suggest that position 1 of the LSST may be utilized to assess scapulothoracic abnormalities in persons with glenohumeral impingement.

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