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Objectives: The purpose of this study was to compare scapular kinematics during elevation phase of abduction, flexion, and scapular plane elevation phase between fifteen persons with shoulder impingement syndrome (SIS) and thirteen persons without it.

Methods: Values of scapular kinematics include scapular superior and lateral translations, upward rotation, external rotation, and posterior tipping were statistically tested with mixed model analysis of variance.

Results: Scapular upward rotation during 30˚, 60˚, and 90˚ of abduction, and initial angle of scapular plane elevation were significantly different between groups (P<0.05). Posterior tipping was significantly decreased in patients with SIS at the initial angle of flexion (P=0.015). Lateral translation at 90˚, and 110˚ of abduction (P=0.015, and P=0.012, respectively) were lesser in patients.

Discussion: It seems that scapular kinematics during arm elevation in different movement planes is different, especially upward rotation between persons with and without SIS.