Scapular muscle endurance, shoulder pain, and functionality in patients with rotator-cuff-related shoulder pain: a matched, case-control study

Abstract

Background Deficiency in scapular muscle endurance (SME) is a risk factor for rotator-cuff-related shoulder pain (RCRSP). However, the exact relationship among SME, pain, and functionality remains unclear. This study aims to compare SME, pain, and functionality in RCRSP patients to those in age-sex-matched healthy controls. Methods Twenty-three patients with RCRSP and 23 age-sex matched healthy controls were included in the study. SME was measured using a 1-kg dynamometer. Self-reported pain level was assessed using a visual analog scale. The Functional Impairment Test-Hand, Neck, Shoulder, and Arm (FIT-HaNSA) was also used to assess functional impairment. Results The control group had higher SME and total FIT-HaNSA scores than the patient group (P<0.05). There was a statistically significant and positive correlation between SME and FIT-HaNSA scores in both groups (P<0.05). Conclusions SME was affected by RCRSP. Pain and functional impairment were correlated with low SME. Level of evidence IV.

Keywords

• scapula
• endurance
• functional performance
• pain
• rotator cuff