The Influence of Gender on Three-dimensional Scapular Kinematics during Humeral Elevation: Implications for Subacromial Impingement Risk

INTRODUCTION In a healthy shoulder, as the humerus elevates, the scapula rotates upward and tilts posteriorly. Factors are known to influence the magnitude of this response such as the plane of elevation [1]; however, gender is rarely tested as a factor. This is remarkable, as gender is known to influence kinematic and injury outcomes at other joints, such as at the knee [2]. Therefore the purpose of this investigation was to identify how gender interacts with humeral elevation angle and humeral elevation plane to affect healthy scapular kinematics during dynamic humeral elevation.