A positive scapular assistance test is equally present in various shoulder disorders but more commonly found among patients with scapular dyskinesis

Alon Rabin, Ofir Chechik, Oleg Dolkart, Yariv Goldstein, Eran Maman

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

Abstract

Objective: Assess the frequency of a positive scapular assistance test (SAT) in different shoulder disorders and establish its association with scapular dyskinesis. Design: Cross-sectional. Setting: Shoulder clinic. Participants: Seventy-four patients. Main outcome measures: The SAT and visual assessment of scapular movement were performed by a physical therapist. An orthopaedic surgeon classified participants into 4 diagnostic categories: rotator cuff disease, superior labrum anterior posterior lesion (SLAP), shoulder instability, and other. Results: Twenty-seven (36.5%) participants presented with a positive SAT. The SAT was positive among 9 of 28 participants (32.1%) with rotator cuff disease, 7 of 23 participants (30.4%) with SLAP lesions, 9 of 21 participants (42.9%) with shoulder instability, and 2 of 2 participants (100.0%) with other pathologies. The frequency of a positive SAT did not differ between the various diagnostic categories (P = 0.64). The SAT was more frequently positive among participants with scapular dyskinesis (48.5% versus 26.8%, P = 0.05). Conclusions: The SAT is found similarly positive among patients with various common shoulder disorders. Although associated with scapular dyskinesis, the SAT was positive in less than half of those demonstrating scapular dyskinesis suggesting the SAT may help identify patients in whom altered scapular movement is contributing to shoulder pain.

Original languageEnglish
Pages (from-to)129-135
Number of pages7
JournalPhysical Therapy in Sport
Volume34
DOIs
StatePublished - 1 Nov 2018

Keywords

  • Dyskinesis
  • Physical examination
  • Scapula

All Science Journal Classification (ASJC) codes

  • Orthopedics and Sports Medicine
  • Physical Therapy, Sports Therapy and Rehabilitation

Fingerprint

Dive into the research topics of 'A positive scapular assistance test is equally present in various shoulder disorders but more commonly found among patients with scapular dyskinesis'. Together they form a unique fingerprint.

Cite this