Inter-rater reliability of scapular dyskinesis classification in overhead athletes by entry-level physical therapy students

ABSTRACT

Background

Scapular dyskinesis (SD) is a dysfunction associated with shoulder pathologies in overhead athletes and its classification is highly complex, especially in entry-level physical therapy students.

Objective

This research aimed to determine the effect of a video training method on inter-rater reliability of physical therapy entry-level students with no clinical experience while performing SD ratings under 4-type, severity, and ‘yes or no’ criteria in overhead athletes.

Methods

A total of 49 overhead athletes were evaluated by video recordings in posterior view of lifting tasks. Two entry-level students without clinical experience performed SD classifications according to previously mentioned criteria on both scapula in two separate sessions, with 1 week of difference. Data analysis was conducted based on the kappa coefficient (k) and its confidence intervals (CI).

Results

The ‘yes or no’ criteria present better results than the 4-type and severity criteria. In addition, a better inter-rater agreement is evidenced in the second measurement compared to the first one. Furthermore, the k coefficients reach values like those achieved by experienced evaluators.

Conclusion

Video training settings for scapular dyskinesis rating in entry-level physical therapist students with no clinical experience allows better inter-rater reliability values.

KEYWORDS:

• Reliability
• scapular dyskinesis
• overhead athletes
• physical therapy specialty

Acknowledgments

This research was promoted by the Nucleus of Research in Rehabilitation and Human Movement Sciences (Decree 1076/2015). The authors would also like to thank the Sports Service of the University of Antofagasta (Deportes UA) staff, especially Daniel Orrego for providing the facilities for the application of the methodology and the athletes included in this research.

Disclosure statement

No potential conflict of interest was reported by the author(s).

Additional information

Notes on contributors

Juan Guerrero-Henriquez

Juan Guerrero-Henriquez, PT, MSc, currently works as an academic in the Rehabilitation and Human Movement Sciences Department at University of Antofagasta, Chile. He has a master’s degree in Orthopedic Manual Therapy from Andres Bello University, Chile. He is member of the Chilean Association of Movement Sciences (ACCM). His research lines are human movement analysis, musculoskeletal science, and data science.

Mauricio Oyarce-Mella

Mauricio Oyarce-Mella, PT, MSc, currently works as an academic in the Biomedical Department at University of Antofagasta, Chile and as physical therapist at MEDS Sports Medicine Clinic. He has a master’s degree in Orthopedic Manual Therapy from Andres Bello University, Chile. His research interests are human anatomy and musculoskeletal physical therapy.

Jimmy Reyes Rocabado

Jimmy Reyes Rocabado is a State Professor of Mathematics from the Universidad de Chile and holds a master’s degree in Mathematical Statistics from the Inter-American Center for Statistics Education. He currently works as a full-time academic at the Universidad de Antofagasta, teaching at undergraduate and graduate level. His research line is distribution theory and applications, in addition to research in areas of teaching and health sciences. He is an institutional member of the Chilean Statistical Society (SOCHE).

David Olivares-Ponce

David Olivares-Ponce, PT, currently works in the attention of elderly people. His professional development interests are physical therapy rehabilitation for the elderly.

Omar Olivares-Lee

Omar Olivares-Lee has a degree in physical therapy from the Universidad de Antofagasta, Chile. Currently, he is an intern at the Valdivieso Family Health Center in Antofagasta, Chile. His development interest is physical therapy intervention in elderly people.

Stefano Pérez-Pasten

Stefano Pérez-Pasten, PT, currently works as sanitary customs personnel in Aeródromo El Loa, due to the COVID-19 pandemic. His development interest are musculoskeletal and sports physical therapy.

Martin Vargas-Matamala

Martín Vargas-Matamala, PT, DO, MSc, currently works as an academic in the Rehabilitation and Human Movement Sciences Department at University of Antofagasta, Chile. He is member of the Chilean Association of Movement Sciences (ACCM). His research lines are human movement analysis and musculoskeletal rehabilitation.