Reliability of levator scapulae index in subjects with and without scapular downward rotation syndrome. (May 2016)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Lee, Ji-Hyun; Cynn, Heon-Seock; Choi, Woo-Jeong; Jeong, Hyo-Jung; Yoon, Tae-Lim
• Is Part Of: Physical therapy in sport. Volume 19(2016)
• Page Start: 1
• Page End: 6
• Publication Date: 2016-05
• Subjects: Levator scapulae -- Intraclass coefficients -- Standard error of measurement; Sports physical therapy -- Periodicals; Sports injuries -- Patients -- Rehabilitation -- Periodicals; Athletic Injuries -- diagnosis -- Periodicals; Athletic Injuries -- therapy -- Periodicals; Physical Therapy -- Periodicals; Sports Medicine -- Periodicals; 615.82088796
• DOI: 10.1016/j.ptsp.2015.07.002
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 1466-853X

Abstract

Abstract: Objectives: The objective of this study was to introduce levator scapulae (LS) measurement using a caliper and the levator scapulae index (LSI) and to investigate intra- and interrater reliability of the LSI in subjects with and without scapular downward rotation syndrome (SDRS). Design: Two raters measured LS length twice in 38 subjects (19 with SDRS and 19 without SDRS). Main outcome measures: For reliability testing, intraclass correlation coefficients (ICCs), standard error of measurement (SEM), and minimal detectable change (MDC) were calculated. Results: Intrarater reliability analysis resulted with ICCs ranging from 0.94 to 0.98 in subjects with SDRS and 0.96 to 0.98 in subjects without SDRS. These results represented that intrarater reliability in both groups were excellent for measuring LS length with the LSI. Interrater reliability was good (ICC: 0.82) in subjects with SDRS; however, interrater reliability was moderate (ICC: 0.75) in subjects without SDRS. Additionally, SEM and MDC were 0.13% and 0.36% in subjects with SDRS and 0.35% and 0.97% in subjects without SDRS. In subjects with SDRS, low dispersion of the measurement errors and MDC were shown. Conclusions: This study suggested that the LSI is a reliable method to measure LS length and is more reliable for subjects with SDRS. Highlights: Intrarater reliabilities in both groups were excellent for measuring LS length with the LSI. Interrater reliability was good in subjects with SDRS; however, interrater reliability was moderate in subjects without SDRS. LSI is a reliable method to measure LS length and is more reliable for subjects with SDRS.