The reliability of shoulder range of motion measures in competitive swimmers

Abstract

Objectives: Investigate reliability of shoulder internal and external rotation (IR, ER), abduction in internal rotation (ABIR) and combined elevation (CE) range of motion tests in competitive swimmers. Design: Within participants, inter- and intra-examiner reliability. Setting: Physiotherapy Department, University of Melbourne, Australia. Participants: 17 competitive swimmers (aged 12-24 years) who participate in at least 5 weekly swimming sessions and two physiotherapy examiners. Main outcome measures: Inter- and intra-examiner reliability of IR, ER, ABIR and CE. Results: Good to excellent intra-examiner reliability across tests (ICCs: 0.85-0.96) with standard error of measurement (SEM)and ..