Reliability and precision of in vivo scapular kinematic measurements using an electromagnetic tracking device

Context: In vivo scapular kinematics during humeral movements are commonly assessed with electromagnetic tracking devices despite few published data related to reliability and precision of these measurements. Objective: To determine the intrasession reliability and precision of assessing scapular kinematics using an electromagnetic tracking device. Design: Scapular position and orientation were measured with an electromagnetic tracking device during humeral elevation/ depression in several planes. Intrasession reliability and precision were established by comparing 2 trials performed in succession. Setting: A human-movement research laboratory. Participants: 15 healthy individuals. Main Outcome Measures: Intrasession intraclass correlation coefficients and standard error of measurement of all scapular variables were established. Results: The mean intrasession reliability for all variables was ICC =.97 +/- .03. The mean intrasession precision was .99 degrees +/- .36 degrees. Conclusions: In vivo scapular kinematics can be measured with high reliability and precision during intrasession research designs.