The angle velocity reproduction test (AVRT) as sensorimotor function of the glenohumeral complex

The purpose of the present study was to develop and evaluate the angle velocity reproduction test (AVRT) in the glenohumeral joint.

In 46 volunteers with healthy shoulders, a test was devised in order to record the angle velocity perception in the shoulder. One arm was moved passively by means of a Cybex 6000 unit. The subjects were asked to perform the same movement as precisely as possible with the contralateral arm without visual control. The movement was recorded with a contact-free motion analysis system with a digital infrared camera and evaluated by aid of a movement analysis program. Starting at −20°, the movement was an anteversion (anterior flexion) of 110°. The sector between 20° and 90° was analyzed in detail. Different parameters were documented which represented different aspects of the sensorimotor function. The predetermined angle velocity of the Cybex setting on the contralateral arm amounted to exactly 53°/s. In order to observe validity and reliability, 10 additional measurements with visual control as well as 21 double measurements were performed.

The comparison of the measurements with and without visual control yielded highly significantly better results for those courses with visual control with regard to all those parameters which represent the perception of velocity. The values which describe the evenness of the movements were weak and/or insignificant.

The introduced AVRT appears suitable to test dynamic sensorimotor abilities.