Article

PURPOSE: To compare changes in supraspinatus muscle thickness in persons with
subacromial impingement syndrome (SAIS) and asymptomatic adults and to determine
the reliability of the ultrasound imaging (USI) protocol. SUBJECTS: Twenty-two
persons with SAIS and 22 age- and gender-matched asymptomatic controls. METHODS:
Ultrasound images of supraspinatus muscle thickness at rest and at 0 degrees , 30
degrees , 60 degrees , and 90 degrees of arm elevation were captured and
measured. To determine same-day intratester reliability, one examiner imaged the
same subject twice and two examiners took turns capturing images in order to
determine same-day intertester reliability. SUBJECTS were asked to return for
between-day intratester reliability. RESULTS: Statistical analyses revealed a
larger mean supraspinatus thickness in the SAIS group at the 0 degrees condition
than in the asymptomatic group (p < 0.05). Same-day intratester and intertester
reliability was good with ICC(2,3) = 0.73-0.96 for asymptomatic controls and
ICC(2,3) = 0.61-0.94 for persons with SAIS. Overall, between-day intratester
reliability was fair to good for most conditions [ICC(2,3) = 0.31-0.90].
CONCLUSIONS: The thicker supraspinatus muscles at 0 degrees in the SAIS group may
indicate a protective spasm. The USI protocol used in the study demonstrated good
same-day intratester and intertester reliability for both groups.

Langue : ANGLAIS