Clinical methods of dynamic and quantitative evaluation of the shoulder and scapula complex: a scoping review

ABSTRACT The shoulder joint has the greatest range of motion and is the most susceptible to dysfunction. Dynamic and quantitative evaluations of this region provide better information for the clinic but the choice of the method depends on its measurement properties. This study aimed to identify the existing methods of quantitative dynamic evaluation of the shoulder and scapula complex, in a clinical context for the general population, identifying the measurement properties and outcomes of each method. The scoping review included in vivo studies, with samples without a specific clinical condition and involving applicable methods in a clinical context. We identified evaluated outcome, measurement method, and its measurement properties. We selected 29 studies that investigated 12 measurement methods, and evaluated their validity and reliability for 17 different outcomes. Most studies (n=21) addressed the position of the shoulder and the scapula and the derivative outcomes, using mainly the units of inertial measurement (n=5) and inertial magnetic measurement (n=6) as evaluation methods. The outcomes with valid and reliable methods were: shoulder joint range; scapula and shoulder motion range; muscle activity; shoulder joint center; humerus length; torque-time curve; functional performance; scapular dyskinesia; external shoulder rotators force; shoulder joint functionality and range; initial scapular movement; scapula and shoulder position; and shoulder angular velocity.