Scapular Position Test
Patient Position - Have the patient seated in a comfortable position. Directions - Locate the Inferior angle and superior angle of each of the patients scapulas. Using a marker or a small piece of tape mark the position of each bony landmark. - Locate the spinous process of the vertebrae that is located adjacent to each of these bony landmarks and use the marker or tape to mark this area as well. - Using a tape measure (as pictured above) measure from each superior angle of the scapula to the adjacent spinous process of the vertebrae and also measure from each inferior angle of the scapula to each adjacent spinous process of the vertebrae. Record your measurements in centimeters.
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Expected Results
- The measurement from the right inferior angle to the adjacent vertebrae should be equal to the measurement of the left inferior angle to the adjacent vertebrae.
- The measurement from the right superior angle to the adjacent vertebrae should be equal to the measurement of the left superior angle to the adjacent vertebrae.
- The inferior measurement on the right side should be no more than 2 cm. longer than the superior measurement of the right side.
- The inferior measurement on the left side should be no more than 2 cm. longer than the superior measurement of the left side.
Positive Signs
- a.) Measurements are not equal bilaterally.
- b.) Inferior measurements are more than 2 cm. longer than the superior measurements.
Implications
- a.) A positive sign indicates unilateral weakness of the Rhomboids muscle group.
- b.) A positive sign indicates weakness of the serratus anterior (This condition is commonly referred to as a "winging scapula".).
- The measurement from the right inferior angle to the adjacent vertebrae should be equal to the measurement of the left inferior angle to the adjacent vertebrae.
- The measurement from the right superior angle to the adjacent vertebrae should be equal to the measurement of the left superior angle to the adjacent vertebrae.
- The inferior measurement on the right side should be no more than 2 cm. longer than the superior measurement of the right side.
- The inferior measurement on the left side should be no more than 2 cm. longer than the superior measurement of the left side.
Positive Signs
- a.) Measurements are not equal bilaterally.
- b.) Inferior measurements are more than 2 cm. longer than the superior measurements.
Implications
- a.) A positive sign indicates unilateral weakness of the Rhomboids muscle group.
- b.) A positive sign indicates weakness of the serratus anterior (This condition is commonly referred to as a "winging scapula".).
The rhomboids muscle group consists of both the rhomboid major and rhomboid minor. These muscles span from the spinous process of the vertebrae (C7 to T5) to the medial border of the scapula. These muscles are responsible for scapular retraction and scapular rotation. The rhomboids also aid the lattisimus dorsi to extend the humerus achieving shoulder extension. |
Rehabilitation Direction
- The rehabilitation program of an individual with a positive sign indicating unilateral rhomboid weakness and/or weakness of the serratus anterior should include exercises that strengthen the mid to upper back. These exercises should include horizontal scapular retraction and shoulder extension. The rehabilitation program should also include exercises that focus on stabilization of the scapula as well as shoulder stabilization exercises.
- The rehabilitation program of an individual with a positive sign indicating unilateral rhomboid weakness and/or weakness of the serratus anterior should include exercises that strengthen the mid to upper back. These exercises should include horizontal scapular retraction and shoulder extension. The rehabilitation program should also include exercises that focus on stabilization of the scapula as well as shoulder stabilization exercises.