Influence of scapular position on cervical rotation range of motion

Fish eye STUDY DESIGN: Cross-sectional study, quasi-experimental design. Fish eye OBJECTIVES: To compare the active cervical rotation range of motion (ROM) between healthy young subjects with a neutral vertical scapular alignment and subjects with scapular depression, and to examine the influence of modifying the vertical position of the scapulae on active cervical rotation ROM. Fish eye BACKGROUND: Altered scapular alignment is proposed to be related to neck dysfunction and pain. Changes in the alignment of either the scapulae or the cervical spine can potentially influence the biomechanics of the other by altering the tension at the cervicoscapular muscles. Fish eye METHODS AND MEASURES: Fifty-eight college age students with neutral vertical scapular alignment (NS group, n = 29) or depressed scapular alignment (DS group, n = 29) volunteered to participate in the study. Cervical rotation ROM was assessed using the CROM device in 2 conditions: condition 1, resting scapular position; condition 2, neutral vertical scapular position with forearms supported. Fish eye RESULTS: The ANOVA revealed no significant group-by-condition interaction (F = 0.19, df = 1, P = .66). There was a significant main effect of condition (F = 47.16, df = 1, P<.001). For both groups, there was an increase in cervical rotation ROM in condition 2 when compared to condition 1 (mean ± SD, 10.2° ± 3.1°; 95% CI: 4.1° to 16.4°). There was no main effect of group (F = .41, df = 1, P = .53). Fish eye CONCLUSION: Our results suggest that in a young healthy population the vertical scapular alignment does not influence cervical rotation ROM. Supporting the upper limbs, however, results in a significant and similar increase in cervical rotation ROM for both groups. Fish eye LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Etiology, level 4.