Shoulder activity level in patients with idiopathic adhesive capsulitis

Area of Science:

• Orthopedics
• Musculoskeletal Health
• Rehabilitation Medicine

Background:

• Idiopathic adhesive capsulitis (frozen shoulder) is characterized by painful, restricted shoulder motion.
• The impact of adhesive capsulitis on shoulder activity levels remains understudied.
• This research investigated the relationship between adhesive capsulitis and shoulder activity.

Purpose of the Study:

• To determine if patients with idiopathic adhesive capsulitis exhibit lower shoulder activity compared to sex- and age-matched controls.
• To explore the correlation between shoulder activity and patient demographics and clinical scores.

Main Methods:

• Seventy-two patients with idiopathic adhesive capsulitis completed a validated shoulder activity scale.
• Patient-reported activity levels were compared to norms from a healthy, control population.
• Associations with age, sex, and American Shoulder and Elbow Surgeons (ASES) and Simple Shoulder Test (SST) scores were analyzed.

Main Results:

• A majority of patients (58%) reported higher shoulder activity scores than controls.
• Patients aged 51-70, particularly men, showed significantly higher activity levels compared to controls.
• Shoulder Activity Scale scores positively correlated with SST scores (r=0.31, P=0.009).

Conclusions:

• Contrary to hypothesis, idiopathic adhesive capsulitis patients do not have reduced shoulder activity.
• Older men with adhesive capsulitis may experience elevated shoulder activity.
• Shoulder activity in these patients is linked to their Simple Shoulder Test (SST) score.