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. 2013 Dec;8(6):793-9.

Sidelying glenohumeral passive internal rotation range of motion values in a healthy collegiate population

Christopher R Carcia  1 , Paul A Cacolice  1 , Jason S Scibek  1
Affiliations

Sidelying glenohumeral passive internal rotation range of motion values in a healthy collegiate population

Christopher R Carcia et al. Int J Sports Phys Ther. 2013 Dec.

Abstract

Purpose/background: The sleeper stretch is a common intervention prescribed for individuals with decreased glenohumeral internal rotation. Passive glenohumeral internal rotation (GHIR) when quantified in sidelying has been suggested to be a more reliable measure as compared to measurments performed in supine with the humerus abducted to 908. Recently, the sidelying position has also been proposed as an evaluative measure to quantify GHIR. Minimal work however has described mean GHIR values in sidelying. Therefore, the objective of this study was to establish preliminary mean passive GHIR values in sidelying for a healthy, college-age population. Secondary purposes were to ascertain if mean values were affected by upper extremity dominance or sex.

Methods: Using a standardized protocol, passive GHIR was measured using a digital inclinometer on the dominant and non-dominant shoulders of 60 healthy, college-age participants (32 female [20.66±1.15 years, 170.70±14.38 cm, 63.34±7.51 kg] and 28 male [21.50±1.40 years, 183.81±13.17 cm, 90.04±17.91 kg]).

Results: The sidelying passive GHIR grand mean for all participants bilaterally was 50.4 ± 11.78. Mean passive GHIR values on the non-dominant side (52.7 ± 10.28) were greater than those on the dominant side (48.0 ± 12.58) (p = 0.002). There was no difference when GHIR values were compared by sex (p = 0.327) and a significant interaction between UE dominance and sex was not apparent (p = 0.693).

Conclusions: In a healthy college age population, these preliminary data suggest GHIR values are statistically greater on the non-dominant side and that sex does not significantly affect GHIR measures in a sidelying position.

Level of evidence: Level 3c.

Keywords: Digital inclinometer; range of motion; shoulder internal rotation; sleeper stretch.

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Figures

Figure 1.
Figure 1.
Passive glenohumeral internal rotation measurement set‐up.
Figure 2.
Figure 2.
Passive glenohumeral internal rotation measurements, dominant side. Mean 48.0 +/‐ 12.5 degrees. Range 19.9 ‐ 74 degrees
Figure 3.
Figure 3.
Passive glenohumeral internal rotation measurements, non‐dominant side. Mean 52.7 +/‐ 10.2 degrees; Range 27.4 ‐ 79 degrees”
See this image and copyright information in PMC

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