THE EFFECT OF AGE ON SCAPULAR UPWARD ROTATION AND SCAPULOHUMERAL RHYTHM IN HEALTHY PEOPLE DURING SHOULDER ABDUCTION

The purpose of this study was to investigate the survey of scapular upward rotation and scapulohumeral rhythm in children, adults, and older people during abduction. Ninety subjects (30 children, 30 adults and 30 older people) volunteered for this study. Two inclinometers were used to measure humeral abduction and scapular upward rotation in scapular rest position, 45°, 90° and 135° shoulder abduction in frontal plane. Scapulohumeral rhythm was calculated from division humeral elevation to upward rotation of the scapula from scapular rest position to 45°, from 45° to 90° and from 90° to 135° abduction in frontal plane. The findings indicated there was a significant difference in scapular rest position among three groups: older people had more scapular upward rotation than other groups and children had more scapular downward rotation than adults. (p<0.05) Also, children had more upward rotation in 135° abduction than adults and older people. (p<0.05) On the other hand, children had lower scapulohumaral rhythm ratio from scapular rest position to 45° and from 90° to 135° abduction than adults and older people. (p<0.05). Children, adults and older people show significant but small differences in scapular upward rotation and scapulohumeral rhythm. These data provide useful reference values using a clinical protocol.