Abstract
Objective. To investigate whether there is any repeatable coupling pattern of upper thoracic
movements, during right arm elevation in sagittal and scapular plane.
Methods. Upper thoracic movement patterns (T2–T7) were examined during right arm elevation,
in the sagittal and scapular plane using an electromagnetic device. The participants
were 25 asymptomatic woman aged between 45 and 64 years.
Results. The majority of the participants performed an ipsilateral coupling pattern between
lateral flexion and rotation which was repeatable and comparable for both arm elevation
planes. Ipsilateral coupling of right lateral flexion and rotation in association
with extension occurred in 23 subjects during arm elevation in sagittal plane, and
in 19 subjects during arm elevation in scapular plane.
Conclusions. Analysis revealed that the participants demonstrated a repeatable upper thoracic
movement pattern within and between subjects, during arm elevation in sagittal and
scapular planes.
Relevance The biomechanical relationship between the arm and the thoracic spine is important
to clinical practice because of the contribution of spinal to shoulder movements and
vice versa, in the recognition, prevention and restoration of musculoskeletal function.
Keywords
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Article info
Publication history
Accepted:
April 5,
2002
Received:
January 8,
1999
Identification
Copyright
© 2002 Elsevier Science Ltd. Published by Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.
