Immediate effect of stretch torque after 4 weeks of immobilization on joint contractures in rats

120 degrees of elevation (p= .081, =.163, and =.682, respectively). In addition, the scapular upward rotation angle in the symptomatic group was lower than that in the asymptomatic group at 90 degrees of elevation (p= .019). The strain ratio of the levator scapulae in the symptomatic groupwas lower than that in the asymptomatic and healthy groups at 90 degrees of elevation (p< .001 and =.011, respectively). Conclusion(s): In patients with asymptomatic rotator cuff tear, the increased scapular upward rotation appeared to compensate the glenohumeral motion affected by rotator cuff tear. However, patients with symptomatic rotator cuff tear showed failure of the compensatory mechanism because decreased scapular upward rotation compared to those in patient with asymptomatic rotator cuff tear was demonstrated at 90 degrees of elevation, which might result from increased activity of the levator scapulae. Implications: These findings suggested that decreased scapular upward rotation and increased activity of the levator scapulae at 90 degrees of elevation might be associated with shoulder pain. Improvement of these abnormal scapular kinematic and muscle activity may lead to pain relief.