Inter-rater reliability of scapular dyskinesis classification in overhead athletes by entry-level physical therapy students.

Abstract

BACKGROUND\nScapular dyskinesis (SD) is a dysfunction associated with shoulder pathologies in overhead athletes and its classification is highly complex, especially in entry-level physical therapy students.\n\n\nOBJECTIVE\nThis research aimed to determine the effect of a video training method on inter-rater reliability of physical therapy entry-level students with no clinical experience while performing SD ratings under 4-type, severity, and yes or no criteria in overhead athletes.\n\n\nMETHODS\nA total of 49 overhead athletes were evaluated by video recordings in posterior view of lifting tasks. Two entry-level students without clinical experience performed SD classifications according to previously mentioned criteria on both scapula in two separate sessions, with 1\xa0week of difference. Data analysis was conducted based on the kappa coefficient (k) and its confidence intervals (CI).\n\n\nRESULTS\nThe yes or no criteria present better results than the 4-type and severity criteria. In addition, a better inter-rater agreement is evidenced in the second measurement compared to the first one. Furthermore, the k coefficients reach values like those achieved by experienced evaluators.\n\n\nCONCLUSION\nVideo training settings for scapular dyskinesis rating in entry-level physical therapist students with no clinical experience allows better inter-rater reliability values.