Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jul 20, 2025
Measuring 3D In-vivo Shoulder Kinematics using Biplanar Videoradiography
Published on: March 12, 2021
Cervical sensitivity, range of motion and strength in individuals with shoulder pain: A cross-sectional case control
Marcelo N Rebelatto1, Francisco Alburquerque-Sendín2, Vander Gava1
1Universidade Federal de São Carlos, Department of Physical Therapy, São Carlos, Brazil.
Objectives:
To assess whether cervical sensitivity, range of motion (ROM) and strength are impaired in individuals with shoulder pain and how they interact with sociodemographic and clinical data.
Methods:
Forty-eight individuals with shoulder pain and 48 asymptomatic matched ones were included. Pressure pain thresholds (PPTs) in cervical region and tibialis anterior muscles, ROM of cervical flexion, extension, lateral flexions and rotations and cervical muscle strength of flexion, extension and lateral flexions were assessed. Between-groups comparisons and a logistic multiple regression model were performed.
Results:
The symptomatic group showed lower and not meaningful PPTs in trapezius of the unaffected/unmatched side, both sternocleidomastoid muscles, and tibialis anterior and reduced ROM in cervical extension (MD = -9.00°) when compared to the asymptomatic group. No differences were identified in muscle strength. Reduced PPT of the trapezius and reduced cervical extension ROM together accounted for 40.2% of the variance of the chance of presenting shoulder pain.
Conclusion:
Individuals with shoulder pain have more, but not clinically relevant, cervical sensitivity and lower cervical extension than asymptomatic individuals. The lower the PPT of the upper trapezius and the cervical extension ROM, the higher was the chance to present shoulder pain. Regional interdependence between cervical spine and shoulder may explain cervical physical function alterations in shoulder pain.
