Scapular Muscle Endurance, Shoulder Pain, and Functionality

Scapular Muscle Endurance, Shoulder Pain, and Functionality in Patients With Rotator Cuff Related Shoulder Pain: A Matched, Case-Control Study

The purpose of this study is to compare scapular muscle endurance (SME), shoulder pain, and functionality of patients with rotator cuff related shoulder pain (RCRSP) with those in the age-gender matched healthy controls and to evaluate the relationship between SME with shoulder pain, and functional impairments in patients with RCRSP.

Patients with RCRSP (n:23), and age-gender matched healthy controls (n:23) were included in the study. SME were measured by a one-kilogram dynamometer while the shoulder and elbows are flexed 90°. Self-reported pain intensity (activity, night, after SME and FIT-HaNSA) was assessed visual analog scale (VAS). Functionality was also assessed using the Functional Impairment test-hand, neck, shoulder, and arm (FIT-HaNSA).

Inclusion criteria:

• Positive sign in two or more specific shoulder clinical tests;
• The presence of RCRSP in magnetic resonance imaging (MRI);
• At least 120° flexion, 25° abduction, and 30° external rotation movements of the shoulder;
• Being right arm dominant;
• No surgical history in the shoulder region.

Exclusion criteria:

• Patients with shoulder pathology other than RCRSP such as glenohumeral instability (capsular and ligamentous lesions, labral lesions, or bone lesions), bicipital tendon lesions, acromioclavicular joint osteoarthritis, glenohumeral joint osteoarthritis, adhesive capsulitis, shoulder or cervical surgery history,
• Neurological and systemic inflammatory diseases,
• Bilateral shoulder complaints,
• Cardiovascular system diseases,
• Pregnancy,
• Underwent shoulder-related physical therapy within the past three months.