Findings. We obtained a full 3-D kinematic description of scapula achieving a reliable, complex 3-D motion during humeral elevation and lowering. The maximal sagittal arm elevation showed a characteristic ‘‘M’’-shape pattern of protraction/retraction curve. Scapular rotations did not differ significantly between slow and fast movements. Moreover, protraction/retraction and tilt angular values did not differ significantly between static and dynamic tasks. However, scapular lateral rotation values differed between static and dynamic measurements during sagittal and frontal arm elevation. Lateral scapular rotation appears to be less in static than in dynamic measure- ment, particularly in the sagittal plane.
Interpretation. Interpolation of statically recorded positions of the bones cannot reflect the kinematics of the scapula.