Background: The shoulder complex, which has the highest prevalence of instability, is currently, the subject of
considerable debate regarding the methodologies used to assess shoulder stability during dynamic exercises.
Research question: The primary aim is to summarize evidence on various methodologies used to evaluate shoulder
stability during dynamic exercises.
Methods: This scoping review included cross-sectional studies focusing on various evaluation techniques to assess
shoulder forces, kinetics, and stability during dynamic movements. In analyzing each study, the selected data
included population profile, sample size, exercise type, and evaluation methodology used.
Results: Twenty-seven studies with a total of 1187 subjects were included. Among the studies, various dynamic
exercises were evaluated, including throwing exercises, movements with dumbbells or elastic bands, push-ups,
and functional tasks. Most evaluation techniques were combined, with eleven studies using surface electromy ography; seven used dynamometers to obtain direct strength measurements; two used six-force axis sensors; one
utilized force platforms; and one was focused on the loss of speed using linear velocity transducers. Furthermore,
motion capture systems such as high-speed cameras were used in fourteen studies. In conclusion, surface elec tromyography and high-speed cameras are the primary techniques for measuring muscle activity and kinetic and
kinematic data. However, they do not directly measure glenohumeral stability, meaning further research is
needed to develop reliable methodologies for this purpose.
Significance: This study holds significant relevance in the field of shoulder instability and has clear clinical im plications, as it establishes the primary tools for estimating glenohumeral stability, which could enable patient
stratification and the design of optimal intervention programs based on these measurements.
