Les méthodes modernes d'analyse du mouvement : Application à l'étude de l'abduction de l'épaule normale et pathologique

Kinematics of shoulder abduction in the plane of the scapula were analysed using the Elite® system. We evaluated 10 asymptomatic subjects and 20 patients with painful conditions affecting the shoulder, 10 adhesive capsulitis and 10 rotator cuff-tears. The last pathologic cases were examined after rehabilitation treatment. The Elite® computes on line the trajectories of 8 retro refiective markers glued on the main reference points (3 on the spine, 3 on the scapula and 2 on the humerus). Angles and linear velocities were also evaluated. The authors also determined the in vivo displacement of the instantaneous center of rotation of the shoulder from data supplied by the optoelectronic system which uses a specifically designed software program to achieve 3-dimensional analysis of abduction. This method provides an objective assessment for pathological loss of normal scapular rhythm and validates the realignment rehabilitation technique proposed for sub-acromial impingement.