The relationships between shoulder pain, range of motion, and disability in patients with shoulder dysfunction

Shoulder dysfunction is a major cause of musculoskeletal pain in general population. A variety of shoulder disorders can cause a reduction in shoulder range of motion and subsequent disability.

To investigate the relationship between the shoulder pain, range of motion, and disability in patients with shoulder dysfunction.

Sixty-four patients (49 men and 15 women) with shoulder disorders with a varying diagnosis including, adhesive capsulitis, rotator cuff injury, impingement syndrome, acromio-clavicular pain, and instability, participated in this cross-sectional study. Participants were asked to report the shoulder pain intensity and level of disability on a numerical rating scale (NRS) and the shoulder pain and disability index (SPADI), respectively. In addition, the active shoulder range of motion was evaluated.

The Spearman rank correlation coefficient was used to investigate the association between the shoulder pain, range of motion, and disability. A good negative correlation found between the shoulder abduction, flexion, and rotation range of motion with the NRS score (rho =-0.710 to -0.747). A moderate negative correlation found between the extension and the NRS score (rho =-0.643). A good negative correlation found between abduction and the SPADI total score (rho =-0.714). A moderate negative correlation found between the shoulder flexion and rotation range of motion with the SPADI total score (rho =-0.547 to -0.694). A fair negative correlation found between the extension and the SPADI total score (rho =-0.495). A moderated positive correlation found between the NRS and the SPADI total score (rho = 0.667).

The flexion, abduction, and rotation ROMs were most significantly associated with severity of pain and the physical disability in patients with shoulder dysfunction. Further, longitudinal studies are required to confirm these results.