Reliability evaluation scapula rest position with the electromagnetic system of data acquisition

• Grant number: 12/00677-8
• Support Opportunities: Scholarships in Brazil - Scientific Initiation
• Start date: April 01, 2012
• End date: March 31, 2013
• Field of knowledge: Health Sciences - Physiotherapy and Occupational Therapy
• Principal Investigator: Anamaria Siriani de Oliveira
• Grantee: Camila Choqueta Biazotto
• Host Institution: Faculdade de Medicina de Ribeirão Preto (FMRP). Universidade de São Paulo (USP). Ribeirão Preto , SP, Brazil

Abstract

The assessment of scapular positioning is a topic that has been much emphasized in the scientific literature. Scapula positioning and orientation relative to the thorax are critical components for the normal function of the shoulder complex interfering with the humeral head centralization and also in the length-tension relationship of muscles that are inserted in the scapula. According to the importance of scapula position relative to the thorax, it's necessary for a reproductive and reliable analysis. Several devices have been used in the analysis of scapula movement and positioning. Among them, there's the electromagnetic system, which provides high resolution and allowed investigators to record three-dimensional movements and joint segments' locations. This system is susceptible to errors that may affect the measurement consistency, so it is necessary to establish the reliability rate. Determining the reliability or reproducibility of a measure ensures the consistency and quality of the instrument. Despite the widespread use of the electromagnetic system to analyze scapula position and movement, the reliability of this system was determined only in studies of angular movements, and there is no studies evaluating the reliability of the rest position through this system. The objective of this study is therefore to assess the inter-session reliability analysis of scapula positioning in rest through the electromagnetic system of data acquisition. Twenty-five healthy and sedentary subjects aged between 18 and 40 years will participate. The equipment used will be the electromagnetic system 3SPACE Liberty (Polhemus Inc.). The same examiner will perform the procedure in two different sessions that are separated by a 7 to 10 days interval. In each session scapula, and rest position will be collected three times. The mean and standard deviation for each session will be calculated and to establish inter-session reliability will be used Intra-class Correlation Coefficient (ICC).(AU)