« BackJournal of Science and Medicine in Sport
Article in Press

Ultrasound measurements on acromio-humeral distance and supraspinatus tendon thickness: Test–retest reliability and correlations with shoulder rotational strengths

  • Hio-Teng Leong

      Affiliations

    • Department of Rehabilitation Sciences, The Hong Kong Polytechnic University, Hung Hom, Hong Kong (SAR), China
    • ,
  • Sammi Tsui

      Affiliations

    • Department of Rehabilitation Sciences, The Hong Kong Polytechnic University, Hung Hom, Hong Kong (SAR), China
    • ,
  • Michael Ying

      Affiliations

    • Department of Health Technology Informatics, The Hong Kong Polytechnic University, China
    • ,
  • Vivian Yee-fong Leung

      Affiliations

    • Department of Imaging and Interventional Radiology, Prince of Wales Hospital, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, China
    • ,
  • Siu N. Fu

      Affiliations

    • Department of Rehabilitation Sciences, The Hong Kong Polytechnic University, Hung Hom, Hong Kong (SAR), China
    • Corresponding Author InformationCorresponding author.

Received 5 May 2011; received in revised form 14 October 2011; accepted 22 November 2011. published online 03 January 2012.
Corrected Proof

Abstract 

Objectives

To establish the test–retest reliability of ultrasound measurements on acromio-humeral distance (AHD) and supraspinatus tendon thickness; and to explore their relationships with shoulder rotational strengths.

Design

Test–retest observational study.

Method

Thirty-seven individuals (age: 21.5±1.4 years) participated in this study. Twenty-four were University volleyball players with 15 healthy and 9 players with shoulder impingement syndrome (SIS). Thirteen participants were healthy untrained individuals. Ultrasound measurements of AHD and supraspinatus tendon thickness were taken, and isokinetic testing of concentric shoulder internal rotation (IR) and external rotation (ER) at a speed of 90°/s was performed.

Results

The measurement of the AHD and the supraspinatus tendon thickness indicated excellent reliability (ICC=0.922, and ICC=0.933 respectively), and the minimum detectable difference (MDD) were 2.10mm and 0.64mm respectively. A cut-off AHD distance of 23.9mm had a sensitivity of 0.67 and specificity of 0.71 (area under curve (AUC): 0.70; p=0.05) in identifying individuals with and without SIS. Hence, individuals with AHD larger than 23.9mm had greater possibility of having SIS. Positive correlations were found in AHD with supraspinatus tendon thickness (r=0.36, p<0.05) and shoulder external rotational strengths (r=0.47–0.62, all p<0.05) and ER/IR ratios (r=0.56–0.58, all p<0.05).

Conclusion

Ultrasound measurements of AHD and tendon thickness have excellent reliability. The reported cut-off AHD highlighted the potential role of ultrasound measurements in volleyball players for early identification of SIS. The AHD was related to the supraspinatus tendon thickness and shoulder external rotation strengths. Our findings provide a scientific basis for muscle training in overhead athletes such as volleyball players.

Keywords: Overhead athletes, Rotator cuff, Shoulder impingement syndrome, Subacromial space, Tendon, Ultrasonography

To access this article, please choose from the options below

Login to an existing account or Register a new account.

  • Purchase this article for 31.50 USD (You must login/register to purchase this article)

    Online access for 24 hours. The PDF version can be downloaded as your permanent record.

  • Subscribe to this title

    Get unlimited online access to this article and all other articles in this title 24/7 for one year.

  • Claim access now

    For current subscribers with Society Membership or Account Number.

  • Visit SciVerse ScienceDirect to see if you have access via your institution.
 

PII: S1440-2440(11)00473-7

doi:10.1016/j.jsams.2011.11.259

« BackJournal of Science and Medicine in Sport

Article Tools

* Image Usage & Resolution