Impaired joint proprioception at higher shoulder elevations in chronic rotator cuff pathology

Area of Science:

• Orthopedics
• Sports Medicine
• Rehabilitation Science

Background:

• Chronic rotator cuff pathology (CRCP) can lead to impaired shoulder proprioception.
• Shoulder impingement and pain are common in CRCP and may affect proprioceptive acuity.

Purpose of the Study:

• To quantify shoulder proprioceptive acuity in individuals with CRCP.
• To investigate the influence of impingement-related shoulder pain on proprioceptive acuity.

Main Methods:

• A case-control study comparing individuals with CRCP (n=26) to matched controls (n=30).
• Assessment of joint position sense using an active position-matching task at 40° and 100° of scapular plane abduction.
• Motion analysis system for movement recording and visual analog scale for pain intensity.

Main Results:

• Individuals with CRCP showed reduced proprioceptive acuity at both test angles compared to controls.
• Significant proprioceptive impairment (P<.01) was observed at the 100° angle, correlating with greater pain intensity (P<.01).
• High intrarater reliability (.54–.99) for proprioceptive measurements was established.

Conclusions:

• Shoulder joint position sense is impaired in CRCP.
• Proprioceptive deficits are most pronounced at higher shoulder elevations with increased pain, potentially perpetuating the condition.
• Findings support proprioceptive rehabilitation programs for managing CRCP.