Assessing shoulder position sense using angle reproduction test in healthy individuals: a pilot study

Purpose: The aim of this study was to assess shoulder joint position sense in different positions and to produce pilot results of angle reproduction test in healthy individuals. Methods: The study included 53 healthy volunteers (17 males and 36 females) without shoulder problems. The shoulder joint position senses of the volunteers were assessed using laser pointer assisted angle reproduction test. Results: No differences were observed between average angle reproduction test values of females and males both in abduction and flexion (p> 0.05). In both groups deviation in abduction was higher compared to flexion (p< 0.05). In both groups, there were statistically significant differences between trials and the highest deviation showed at the 3rd trial (p< 0.05). Conclusion: This study showed that the deviation in abduction position was higher as compared with flexion position. However, considering increases in deviation as the number of trial in angle reproduction test, prior to each trial reminding the first position would be beneficial for obtaining more reliable results.