Validity of pain and motion indicators recorded on a movement diagram of shoulder lateral rotation

This study examined criterion and construct validity of passive range of motion (PROM) and pain variables recorded on a Maitland-style movement diagram. Passive lateral rotation of the shoulder was assessed in 34 patients with a variety of shoulder pathologies. Two experienced manipulative physiotherapists performed the testing in a randomised block design. The physiotherapists were blinded to all clinical information and ROM measures. The criterion comparators were a blinded goniometric measure of PROM and pain scores from the Shoulder Pain and Disability Index (SPADI). Correlation coefficients between PROM recorded on the movement diagram and goniometry were high (r = 0.79 to 0.94). Moderate correlations were observed between the patient's pain scores recorded on the SPADI and the physiotherapist's recording of pain onset (r = -0.43 to 0.69) and intensity (r = 0.58 to 0.72). Impairment measures from the movement diagram were moderately related to patient-rated shoulder disability (r = 0.50 for ROM and -0.56 for pain). Movement diagrams of passive shoulder rotation can provide valid information on motion and pain.