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.