A significant difference between dominant and non‐dominant sides in the mean resting scapula
position (2.5° in junior and 1.3° in Paralympic groups) was found within both groups. Previously,
college athletes (of similar age) have presented with values similar to those of the Paralympic group
(1.46° difference) [27]. Other studies investigating scapula resting position have found no difference
between those with and without impingement symptoms [19,28]. However, differing methods
currently limit the usefulness of the relationship between resting scapula position and impingement
symptoms. Mounting evidence suggests resting scapula position in isolation is unlikely to detect the
difference between symptomatic and asymptomatic athletes [27,29], probably because asymmetry is
often present in healthy individuals [30]. This combination of factors highlights the need to consider
measurements of dynamic scapula asymmetry through range as part of appropriate clinical reasoning
In the relatively stable scapula position of 45˝ abduction of the humerus, the significant difference
between groups in upward scapula rotation (approx. 10˝
) may indicate poor stability resulting from
muscle weakness in the Paralympic group. As previously described, surrounding soft tissue and
other specific impairments in motor control or strength probably affect scapula position [30]. The
significant difference also found between groups at 135˝
(junior group showed greater upward rotation)
is potentially an adaptation to improve stroke mechanics.