Test-Retest reliability of the internal shoulder rotator muscles' stretch reflex in healthy men

Lars Heinke*, Axel Knicker, Kirsten Albracht

*Corresponding author for this work

Publication: Contribution to journalJournal articlesResearchpeer-review

Abstract

Until now the reproducibility of the short latency stretch reflex of the internal rotator muscles of the glenohumeral joint has not been identified. Twenty-three healthy male participants performed three sets of external shoulder rotation stretches with various pre-activation levels on two different dates of measurement to assess test–retest reliability. All stretches were applied with a dynamometer acceleration of 104°/s2 and a velocity of 150°/s. Electromyographical response was measured via surface EMG. Reflex latencies showed a pre-activation effect (ƞ2 = 0,355). ICC ranged from 0,735 to 0,909 indicating an overall “good” relative reliability. SRD 95% lay between ±7,0 to ±12,3 ms. The reflex gain showed overall poor test–retest reproducibility. The chosen methodological approach presented a suitable test protocol for shoulder muscles stretch reflex latency evaluation. A proof-of-concept study to validate the presented methodical approach in shoulder involvement including subjects with clinically relevant conditions is recommended.

Fingerprint

Dive into the research topics of 'Test-Retest reliability of the internal shoulder rotator muscles' stretch reflex in healthy men'. Together they form a unique fingerprint.

Citation