Inter-session Reliability of Glenohumeral Internal and External Rotation Range-of-motion Measurements is Unaffected by Use of Applied Load Feedback

Abstract

ABSTRACTThis study evaluated whether real-time applied load feedback and a predefined applied load limit improved inter-session reliability and measurement error of passive glenohumeral rotation range-of-motion measurements. Twenty-one male recreational overhead athletes completed two data collection sessions, approximately 1-week apart. Measurements of internal and external rotation range-of-motion and clinician-applied loads were obtained and side-to-side differences were calculated. A load limit of 4 Nm was used for feedback trials. Perception of a capsular end-feel was used for no-feedback trials. Intraclass correlation coefficients (ICCs), standard errors of measurement (SEMs) and minimal detectable changes (MDCs) were derived. ICCs from single trials with and without feedback ranged from 0.72–0.93 and 0.63–0.89, respectively. SEMs ranged from 2.6°-6.1° with feedback and 3.3°-6.0° without feedback. MDCs from single trials with and without feedback ranged from 7.2°-16.8° and 9.1°-16.7°, respectively. Applied load feedback did not improve, already moderate to excellent, inter-session reliability and SEM for passive glenohumeral rotation range-of-motion measurements.