Physical and psychosocial work-related exposures and the occurrence of disorders of the shoulder: A systematic review update.

This review is an update of a previous systematic review and assesses the evidence for the association of work-related physical and psychosocial risk factors and specific disorders of the shoulders. Medline, Embase, Web of Science Core Collection, Cochrane Central and PsycINFO were searched and study eligibility and risk of bias assessment was performed by two independent reviewers. A total of 14 new articles were added with the majority focusing on rotator cuff syndrome (RCS) with seven studies. Nine articles reported psychosocial exposures in addition to physical exposures. The strongest evidence was found for the association between elevation, repetition, force and vibration and the occurrence of SIS and tendinosis/tendonitis. Evidence also suggests that psychosocial exposures are associated with the occurrence of RCS and tendinosis/tendonitis. Other findings were inconsistent which prevents drawing strong conclusions.

Towards a better understanding of our patients. A qualitative study about how patients and their physiotherapists perceive the recovery of shoulder problems.

OBJECTIVE: To investigate how people with shoulder problems and their physiotherapists perceive the recovery of shoulder problems. METHOD: We performed a qualitative study using semi-structured interviews with patients and their physiotherapists. Nine pairs of patients and physiotherapists (n = 18) were recruited. The transcribed interviews were analyzed in a consecutive multistep iterative process using a conventional content analysis. RESULTS: Analysis of the interviews resulted in three major themes: 'What do I expect from my recovery?', 'Am I recovering?' and 'When do I consider myself recovered?' The patients and physiotherapists talked similarly about the importance of and interdependency between these themes. Central to these three themes are the analysis of the cause of shoulder problems and the experience of uncertainty. Our analyses suggest that there are conceptual differences in how patients and physiotherapists formulate their expectations about recovery, observe the recovering process, and conceptualize when someone may be considered recovered. Different interpretations by the patients of the information provided by the physical therapists appeared to fuel these differences. CONCLUSION: Our results show that the concept of recovery is defined by patients and physiotherapists in three distinct themes. Within these themes the patients and physiotherapists differ substantially in their conceptualization of the recovery. IMPACT STATEMENT: This insight in the concept of recovery can help patients and physiotherapists better understand each other, enhance the alignment of ideas about the care process, and support making decisions together. Physiotherapists should be aware that patients might interpret their words, explanations, and expectations substantially different.

Circulating Inflammatory Biomarkers Predict Pain Change Following Exercise-Induced Shoulder Injury: Findings From the Biopsychosocial Influence on Shoulder Pain Preclinical Trial.

Shoulder pain is a highly prevalent musculoskeletal condition that frequently leads to suboptimal clinical outcomes. This study tested the extent to which circulating inflammatory biomarkers are associated with reports of shoulder pain and upper-extremity disability for a high-risk genetic by psychological subgroup (catechol-O-methyltransferase [COMT] variation by pain catastrophizing [PCS]). Pain-free adults meeting high-risk COMT × PCS subgroup criteria completed an exercise-induced muscle injury protocol. Thirteen biomarkers were collected and analyzed from plasma 48 hours after muscle injury. Shoulder pain intensity and disability (Quick-DASH) were reported at 48 and 96 hours to calculate change scores. Using an extreme sampling technique, 88 participants were included in this analysis. After controlling for age, sex, and BMI, there were moderate positive associations between higher c-reactive protein (CRP; ߈ = .62; 95% confidence interval [CI] = -.03, 1.26), interleukin-6 (IL-6; ߈ = 3.13; CI = -.11, 6.38), and interleukin-10 (IL-10; ߈ = 2.51; CI = -.30, 5.32); and greater pain reduction from 48 to 96 hours post exercise muscle injury. Using an exploratory multivariable model to predict pain changes from 48 to 96 hours, we found participants with higher IL-10 were less likely to experience a high increase in pain (߈ = -10.77; CI = -21.25, -2.69). Study findings suggest CRP, IL-6, and IL-10 are related to shoulder pain change for a preclinical high-risk COMT × PCS subgroup. Future studies will translate to clinical shoulder pain and decipher the complex and seemingly pleiotropic interplay between inflammatory biomarkers and shoulder pain change. PERSPECTIVE: In a preclinical high-risk COMT × PCS subgroup, 3 circulating inflammatory biomarkers (CRP, IL-6, and IL-10) were moderately associated with pain improvement following exercise-induced muscle injury.

Biopsychosocial influence on shoulder pain: results from a randomized preclinical trial of exercise-induced muscle injury.

ABSTRACT: Prior cohort studies validated that a subgroup defined by a specific COMT genotype and pain catastrophizing is at increased risk for heightened responses to exercise-induced or surgically induced shoulder pain. In this clinical trial, we used our preclinical model of exercise-induced muscle injury and pain to test the efficacy of interventions matched to characteristics of this high-risk subgroup (ie, personalized medicine approach). Potential participants provided informed consent to be screened for eligibility based on subgroup membership and then, as appropriate, were enrolled into the trial. Participants (n = 261) were randomized to 1 of 4 intervention groups comprised of pharmaceutical (propranolol or placebo) and informational (general education or psychologic intervention) combinations. After muscle injury was induced, participants received randomly assigned treatment and were followed for the primary outcome of shoulder pain intensity recovery over 4 consecutive days. Recovery rates were 56.4% (placebo and psychologic intervention), 55.4% (placebo and general education), 62.9% (propranolol and psychologic intervention), and 56.1% (propranolol and general education). No statistical differences were found between intervention groups in the primary analyses. Additional analyses found no differences between these intervention groups when shoulder pain duration was an outcome, and no differential treatment responses were detected based on sex, race, or level of pain catastrophizing. This trial indicates that these treatments were not efficacious for this high-risk subgroup when shoulder pain was induced by exercise-induced muscle injury. Accordingly, this phenotype should only be used for prognostic purposes until additional trials are completed in clinical populations.

The relationship between shoulder pain and shoulder disability in women: The mediating role of sleep quality and psychological disorders.

The number of patients complaining of shoulder pain is gradually increasing, and women with shoulder pain in particular tend to present with psychological disorders and poor sleep quality. Therefore, the purpose of this study was to investigate whether psychological disorder and poor sleep quality mediated the relationship between shoulder pain and shoulder disability in women. This is a descriptive survey study of 222 women from 3 community centers in Seoul and Gyeonggi-do regions in South Korea. Data about shoulder pain, shoulder disability, sleep quality, depression, anxiety, and stress were collected using structured questionnaires between May 10 and June 7, 2021, and were analyzed by serial mediation analysis. The direct effect of shoulder pain on shoulder disability was statistically significant. Serial mediation model showed that sleep quality and psychological disorders (depression, anxiety, and stress) were sequential mediators between shoulder pain and shoulder disability among women. The relationship between shoulder pain and shoulder disability among women was partially mediated by sleep quality and psychological disorders (depression, anxiety, and stress). The results emphasize the importance of sleep quality and psychological factors in shoulder disability and suggest the use of strategies to improve sleep quality and alleviate psychological factors when developing an intervention program to mitigate shoulder disability in women with shoulder pain.

Prognosis of shoulder pain in those with and without a psychological disorder: A prospective cohort study with a six-month follow-up.

BACKGROUND: Because shoulder pain can have an unfavorable prognosis, it is important to have a better understanding of factors that may influence recovery. OBJECTIVE: To determine the association between recovery from shoulder pain and the presence of depression, anxiety, and pain catastrophizing. METHODS: In a prospective cohort study with a six months follow-up, we included patients visiting an orthopaedic department with shoulder pain. Primary outcome was recovery from shoulder pain measured with the Shoulder Pain and Disability Index at three and six months. Information about depression and anxiety (Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale), pain catastrophizing (Pain Catastrophizing Scale), and demographic and clinical factors were collected at baseline. A linear mixed model was used to estimate the effects of depression, anxiety, pain catastrophizing, and underlying shoulder disorders on recovery. RESULTS: We included 190 patients. There were no statistically significant associations between the presence of depression, anxiety, and pain catastrophizing, and three- and six-month recovery. Also between the underlying shoulder disorders and recovery at three and six months, there were no statistically significant associations. CONCLUSIONS: We could not prove that depression, anxiety, and pain catastrophizing, as well as underlying shoulder disorders, were associated with recovery of shoulder pain at six months.

The burden of words in shoulder pain: A case report of a water polo player.

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE: Shoulder pain is one of the most common musculoskeletal problems of the world's population. In particular, in water polo athletes, the frequency of injuries or pain to this joint is very high. The incidence of psychosocial factors in musculoskeletal pain is well recognized, even if they seem to be more present in chronic pain, rather than in acute pain. CASE DESCRIPTION: The patient was a semi-professional water polo player with acute shoulder pain which occurred during a game. At first, the pain was very mild, but it progressively got worse after the visit to the casualty department where, even in the absence of any confirmed structural lesions, the patient is ordered to refrain from any active movements. The patient became worried, so his anxiety levels increased which worsened his symptoms. The physiotherapist opted for a "hands-off/hands-on approach". OUTCOMES: Significative improvements were observed in all the considered outcome measures, the patient obtained complete recovery in a very short period of time and then he was able to return to his sport. DISCUSSIONS: Psychosocial factors such as anxiety, fear and catastrophizing can modulate pain responses in a subject without structural problems. Thus, counseling and education in pain science can be an effective therapeutic method, especially with conditions of acute, as well as chronic, pain. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: 4.

Fear of movement and emotional distress as prognostic factors for disability in patients with shoulder pain: a prospective cohort study.

BACKGROUND: Shoulder pain is a prevalent and often long-lasting musculoskeletal disorder. The overall prognosis of shoulder pain is highly variable with 40-50% of patients reporting persistent pain 6-12 months after consulting a clinician. The evidence for psychological prognostic factors for patients with shoulder pain is inconsistent. Therefore, the objective of this study was to investigate the association between fear of movement and emotional distress at presentation and self-reported disability over one year of follow-up. METHODS: This is a prospective cohort study of consecutive patients referred to secondary outpatient care due to shoulder pain. Consenting patients underwent a physical examination and completed a comprehensive questionnaire at baseline, three months-, and one-year follow-up. Associations between baseline fear of movement (0-10) or emotional distress (1-4), respectively, and patient reported disability measured using Quick Disability of the Arm and Shoulder (QuickDASH, 0-100) over one year were analyzed with linear mixed-effects models (LMM) for repeated measures (baseline, 3 months and 1 year), adjusting for established prognostic factors. RESULTS: A total of 138 patients were recruited between March 2015 and January 2018, with response rates of 84.7% (n = 117) and 79.7% (n = 100) at three months and one year, respectively. Adjusted associations revealed that for every point increase in baseline fear of movement, the QuickDASH score increased (worsened) by 1.10 points (95% CI 0.2-2.0) over the follow-up year. For every point increase in baseline emotional distress, the QuickDASH score increased by 19.9 points (95% CI 13.9-25.9) from baseline over the follow-up year. CONCLUSION: Higher fear of movement and emotional distress scores at baseline were significantly associated with higher disability over one year in patients with shoulder pain referred to secondary care. Our study indicates that these psychological factors affect prognosis and should be considered by clinicians and researchers working with patients with shoulder pain.

Heterogeneity of pain-related psychological distress in patients seeking care for shoulder pathology.

BACKGROUND: Psychological distress is associated with disability and quality of life for patients with shoulder pain. However, uncertainty around heterogeneity of psychological distress has limited the adoption of shoulder care models that address psychological characteristics. In a cohort of patients with shoulder pain, our study sought to (1) describe the prevalence of various subtypes of psychological distress; (2) evaluate associations between psychological distress and self-reported shoulder pain, disability, and function; and (3) determine differences in psychological distress profiles between patients receiving nonoperative vs. operative treatment. METHODS: The sample included 277 patients who were evaluated in clinic by a shoulder surgeon and completed the Optimal Screening for Prediction of Referral and Outcome Yellow Flag Assessment Tool (OSPRO-YF) from 2019 to 2021. This tool categorizes maladaptive and adaptive psychological traits, and the number of yellow flags (YFs) ranges from 0 to 11, with higher YF counts indicating higher pain-related psychological distress. Operative and nonoperative cohorts were compared using χ2 test and Student t test. Linear regression was used to evaluate the association between pain, disability, and YFs, whereas Poisson regression evaluated the association between operative treatment and psychological distress. K-means cluster analysis was performed to propose potential psychological distress phenotypes. RESULTS: Two hundred fifty-one patients (91%) had at least 1 YF on the OSPRO-YF tool, with a mean number of 6 ± 3.5 YFs. YFs in unhelpful coping (85%) and helpful coping domains (78%) were most prevalent. The number of YFs was significantly associated with baseline shoulder pain (P < .001), Single Assessment Numeric Evaluation (P < .001), and American Shoulder and Elbow Surgeons Standardized Shoulder Assessment Form (P < .001) scores. Comparing operative and nonoperative cohorts, the operative cohort had a significantly higher mean number of YFs (6.5 vs. 5.6, P = .035), presence of any YF (94.3% vs. 85.7%, P = .015), and presence of YFs within the unhelpful coping domain (91.8% vs. 75.6%, P < .001). Three phenotypes were described, corresponding to low, moderate, and severe psychological distress (P < .001), with females (P = .037) and smokers (P = .018) associated with higher psychological distress phenotypes. CONCLUSIONS: YFs, particularly within the unhelpful coping and helpful coping domains, were highly prevalent in a cohort of patients presenting to a shoulder surgeon's clinic. Additionally, operative patients were found to have a significantly higher rate of YFs across multiple dimensions of psychological distress. These findings stress the importance of routine attentiveness to multiple dimensions of pain-related psychological distress in shoulder populations, which can provide an opportunity to reinforce healthy interpretation of pain while minimizing distress in appropriately identified patients.

Development of the Avoidance Daily Activities Photo Scale for Patients With Shoulder Pain.

OBJECTIVES: The purpose of this study was to develop the Avoidance of Daily Activities Photo Scale (ADAP Shoulder Scale) to measure shoulder pain-related avoidance behavior in patients with shoulder pain and evaluate and report the structural validity and internal consistency of the scale. METHODS: Potential daily activities involving the shoulder were selected from the activities and participation domain of the International Classification of Functioning, Disability and Health. The selected activities were presented to an expert panel, health care professionals, and patients with shoulder pain with the question "How much do you think it is important to ask patients with shoulder pain about this activity?" Activities attaining a content validity index (CVI) ≥ 0.8 were represented using a digitally colored photograph. Activity photographs were evaluated by health care professionals and patients with shoulder pain. Photographs with a CVI ≥ 0.8 were included in the scale. To evaluate structural validity and internal consistency of the scale, exploratory factor analysis was performed to determine the presence of any scale domain. Cronbach alpha was calculated to indicate the internal consistency of each domain. RESULTS: Of the 107 preselected activities, 21 attained a CVI ≥ 0.8. Eighteen photographs (CVI ≥ 0.8) were included in the scale after being analyzed by 120 health care professionals and 50 patients with shoulder pain. Exploratory factor analysis (N = 156) showed that the ADAP Shoulder Scale consists of 3 domains: free movement, high effort, and self-care. The internal consistencies of the domains were 0.92, 0.89, and 0.92, respectively. CONCLUSION: The ADAP Shoulder Scale included 15 photographs distributed in 3 domains. All domains had a high internal consistency. The scale is easily applicable, well understood, and relevant for shoulder pain. IMPACT: The ADAP Shoulder Scale can be used to rate shoulder pain-related avoidance behaviors.

Measurement properties of the Brazilian versions of Fear-Avoidance Beliefs Questionnaire and Tampa Scale of Kinesiophobia in individuals with shoulder pain.

PURPOSE: To verify the measurement properties of the Brazilian versions of Fear-avoidance Beliefs Questionnaire (FABQ) and Tampa Scale of Kinesiophobia (TSK) in individuals with shoulder pain. METHODS: Individuals with shoulder pain (>18 years) were included in this study. Structural validity was verified by exploratory factor analysis, which was used to identify dimensionality of the FABQ and TSK. Test-retest reliability was assessed with intraclass correlation coefficient(3,1) and internal consistency with Cronbach's alpha. Floor or ceiling effects were also investigated. Responsiveness was verified by effect sizes and area under the receiver operating characteristic curve (AUC). RESULTS: Exploratory factor analysis identified two and one factor in the FABQ and TSK, respectively. FABQ and TSK presented moderate to good reliability and adequate internal consistency (Cronbach's alpha > 0.70). The floor effect was present in one factor of the FABQ. The FABQ and TSK showed small to moderate effect sizes and did not show adequate AUC. CONCLUSION: FABQ and TSK are multidimensional and unidimensional instruments, respectively. Those instruments presented moderate to good reliability and the responsiveness was considered to be suboptimal in individuals with shoulder pain.

The influence of central pain modulation on postoperative outcomes after shoulder surgery: A systematic review.

OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study was to systematically review whether the altered central pain modulation has a significant influence on post-surgical outcomes in patients undergoing shoulder surgery due to musculoskeletal disorders. METHODS: A systematic search of MEDLINE, PEDro, and EMBASE was conducted without time restriction, including observational prognostic studies. Quality in Prognostic Studies Tool was adopted for critical appraisal, and a qualitative synthesis was undertaken. Two authors independently performed study selection, data extraction, and risk of bias assessment; any disagreement was resolved by a third author. A review protocol is published in the PROSPERO registry (CRD42019122303). The data regarding the potential predictors and outcome measures were obtained from the studies. RESULTS: 11 prospective cohort studies were appraised. Overall, 952 patients were included with a sample size that ranged from 20 to 314. Studies included both arthroscopy and open surgery and presented low to moderate ROB. The prognostic factors investigated were depression, psychological distress, anxiety, catastrophizing, fear avoidance beliefs, self-efficacy and quantitative sensory testing. Only avoidance behaviors and self-efficacy were significantly related to post-surgical pain and function at 12 months after surgery. CONCLUSION: Fear avoidance beliefs and inadequate coping strategies seem to be the most correlated factors with the worst pain and function scores. Surgeons and physical therapists should look for patients with signs of altered central pain modulation before surgery as they might be at risk of unfavorable outcome. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Level II, Therapeutic Study.

Which Risk Factors Are Associated with Pain and Patient-reported Function in Patients with a Rotator Cuff Tear?

BACKGROUND: Patient-reported measures guide physicians in clinical decision making and therefore it is critical to determine what clinical factors are associated with these scores. Psychological and physical factors are commonly studied separately in patients with rotator cuff tears to determine their influence on outcomes. It is well established that psychological distress and scapular motion change in the presence of a symptomatic rotator cuff tear. However, these factors have not been studied simultaneously in a clinical setting to determine their association with shoulder outcome scores. QUESTION/PURPOSE: After controlling for relevant confounding variables, what physical and psychological factors are associated with better (1) American Shoulder and Elbow Surgeons (ASES) scores for function, (2) ASES pain scores, and (3) total ASES scores? METHODS: Fifty-nine patients with a potential symptomatic rotator cuff tear were recruited and agreed to participate in this cross-sectional study. Of those, 85% (50 of 59) met eligibility criteria for a primary diagnosis of an MRI-confirmed symptomatic partial-thickness or full-thickness rotator cuff tear without a history of shoulder surgery. Demographics, rotator cuff tear size, arm flexion, and clinical scapular motion during active arm flexion were evaluated by experienced examiners using standardized procedures. Patients completed the ASES questionnaire and the Optimal Screening for Prediction of Referral and Outcomes-Yellow Flag assessment form, which measures 11 different pain-related psychological distress symptoms. Three separate stepwise multiple linear regression analyses were performed for ASES pain, function, and total scores, with significance set at p < 0.05. RESULTS: This model found that ASES function scores were associated with four factors: older age, increased arm flexion, increased percentage of scapular external rotation during arm flexion, and increased scores for acceptance of chronic pain (adjusted r2 = 0.67; p = 0.01). Those four factors appear to explain 67% of the observed variance in ASES function scores in patients with rotator cuff tears. Furthermore, increased percentage of scapular external rotation during arm flexion and decreased fear-avoidance beliefs related to physical activity scores (adjusted r2 = 0.36; p < 0.01) were associated with better ASES pain scores. And finally, better ASES total scores were associated with four factors: increased arm flexion, increased percentage of scapular upward rotation, increased scapular external rotation during arm flexion, and decreased fear-avoidance beliefs related to physical activity scores (adjusted r2 = 0.65; p < 0.001). CONCLUSION: Our results favor adopting a comprehensive biopsychological clinical assessment for patients with rotator cuff tears that specifically includes humeral and scapular motion, fear-avoidance behaviors, and pain coping behaviors along with demographics. These particular physical and psychological variables were found to be associated with the ASES and, therefore, should be clinically examined simultaneously and targeted as part of a tailored treatment plan. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Level II, prognostic study.

Sensory and Psychological Factors Predict Exercise-Induced Shoulder Injury Responses in a High-Risk Phenotype Cohort.

Our prior studies identified a high-risk phenotype (ie, high pain sensitivity variant of the catechol-O-methyltransferase gene (Single Nucleotide Polymorphism [SNP] rs6269) and pain catastrophizing scores) for shoulder pain. The current study identified sensory and psychological predictors of heightened pain responses following exercise-induced shoulder injury. Healthy participants (N = 131) with the SNP rs6269 catechol-O-methyltransferase gene and Pain Catastrophizing Scale scores ≥5 underwent baseline sensory and psychological testing followed by an established shoulder fatigue protocol, to induce muscle injury. Movement-evoked pain, pain intensity, disability, and strength were assessed 24 hours postinjury. Demographic, sensory, and psychological variables were included as predictors in full and parsimonious models for each outcome. The highest variance explained was for the shoulder disability outcome (full model R2 = .20, parsimonious R2 = .13). In parsimonious models, the individual predictors identified were: 1) 1st pulse heat pain sensitivity for isometric shoulder movement-evoked pain and pain intensity; 2) pressure pain threshold for shoulder disability; 3) fear of pain for active shoulder movement-evoked pain and shoulder disability; and 4) depressive symptoms for shoulder strength. Findings indicate specific pain sensitivity and psychological measures may have additional prognostic value for self-reported disability within a high-risk phenotype. These findings should be tested in a clinical cohort for validation. PERSPECTIVE: The current study extends previous work by providing insight regarding how poor shoulder outcomes may develop within a high-risk phenotype. Specifically, 1st pulse heat pain sensitivity and pressure pain threshold were sensory measures, and fear of pain and depressive symptoms were psychological measures, that improved prediction of different shoulder outcomes.

Reproducibility: reliability and agreement parameters of the Revised Short McGill Pain Questionnaire Version-2 for use in patients with musculoskeletal shoulder pain.

BACKGROUND: The Revised Short McGill Pain Questionnaire Version-2 (SF-MPQ-2) is a multidimensional outcome measure designed to capture, evaluate and discriminate pain from neuropathic and non-neuropathic sources. A recent systematic review found insufficient psychometric data with respect to musculoskeletal (MSK) health conditions. This study aimed to describe the reproducibility (test-retest reliability and agreement) and internal consistency of the SF-MPQ-2 for use among patients with musculoskeletal shoulder pain. METHODS: Eligible patients with shoulder pain from MSK sources completed the SF-MPQ-2: at baseline (n = 195), and a subset did so again after 3-7 days (n = 48), if their response to the Global Rating of Change (GROC) scale remained unchanged. Cronbach alpha (α) and intraclass correlation coefficient (ICC2,1), and their related 95% CI were calculated. Standard error of measurement (SEM), group and individual minimal detectable change (MDC90), and Bland-Altman (BA) plots were used to assess agreement. RESULTS: Cronbach α ranged from 0.83 to 0.95 suggesting very satisfactory internal consistency across the SF-MPQ-2 domains. Excellent ICC2,1 scores were found in support of the total scale (0.95) and continuous subscale (0.92) scores; the remaining subscales displayed good ICC2,1 scores (0.78-0.88). Bland-Altman analysis revealed no systematic bias between the test and retest scores (mean difference = 0.13-0.19). While the best agreement coefficients were seen on the total scale (SEM = 0.5; MDC90individual = 1.2 and MDC90group = 0.3), they were acceptable for the SF-MPQ-2 subscales (SEM: range 0.7-1; MDC90individual: range 1.7-2.3; MDC90group: range 0.4-0.5). CONCLUSION: Good reproducibility supports the SF-MPQ-2 domains for augmented or independent use in MSK-related shoulder pain assessment, with the total scale displaying the best reproducibility coefficients. Additional research on the validity and responsiveness of the SF-MPQ-2 is still required in this population.

Patients with shoulder pain referred to specialist care; treatment, predictors of pain and disability, emotional distress, main symptoms and sick-leave: a cohort study with a six-months follow-up.

Objectives Recommendations for referral of patients with shoulder pain from primary to specialist care are mainly clinical. Several patients are referred without meeting these criteria for referral, whereas some are referred for a second opinion although surgery is not recommended. The aims of this study were to describe a shoulder pain cohort in specialist healthcare according to demographic data, clinical, and psychological factors; evaluate changes in pain and disability, distress and main symptoms from baseline to six-month follow-up; and to assess predictors of pain and disability, changes in the main symptoms and sick-leave at six-months. Results were compared to previous randomised trials conducted at the same clinic in patients with subacromial shoulder pain. Methods This prospective study included 167 patients from an outpatient clinic in specialist healthcare with shoulder pain for more than 6 weeks. Clinical (pain duration, intensity, pain sites), sociodemographic (age, gender, educational level, work status) and psychological variables (emotional distress (HSCL-10), fear of pain, screening of "yellow flags", health-related quality of life) were collected. Shoulder pain and disability (SPADI-score) were assessed and the patients were asked about their outcome expectation and to predict their status of their shoulder problem the next month. They underwent a clinical interview, a clinical assessment of shoulder function and orthopaedic tests for diagnostic purposes. After six months they received a questionnaire with main variables. Results Of the 167 patients (55% women), 50% had symptoms for more than 12 months and 37 (22%) were on sick-leave. Characteristics were in general comparable to patients previously included in clinical trials at the same department. The SPADI-score was 46 (23) points. Mean emotional distress was within the normal range (1.7 (SD 0.6)). More than 80% had received treatment before, mainly physiotherapy in addition to the GPs treatment. One hundred and thirty-seven patients (82%) were re-referred to physiotherapy, 74 (44%) in the outpatient clinic specialist healthcare, and 63 (38%) in primary care. One hundred and eighteen (71%) answered the follow-up questionnaire. Mean change in SPADI-score was 10.5 points (95% CI (6.5-14.5)), and 29% of the patients improved more than the smallest detectable difference (SDD). The percentage sick-listed was 19.5%, and mean change in main symptoms (-9 to +9) was 3.4 (SD 3.9). The subgroup of patients receiving physiotherapy in outpatient specialist care did not show any significant change in the main variables. The prediction models suggested that a lower level of education, more fear of pain and a high baseline SPADI-score, predicted a higher SPADI-score at follow-up. A high baseline HSCL-10 score was the only significant predictor for a high HSCL-10 score. At follow-up, less pain at rest predicted more change in main symptoms and more yellow flags (a higher score on the Örebro screening test) predicted sick-leave. Conclusions Within the limitations of a cohort study, patients with persistent shoulder pain referred to an outpatient specialist clinic had similar baseline characteristics but shorter treatment duration, inferior clinical results and predictors somewhat different compared with previous clinical trials conducted at the same clinic. The study raises some questions about the effectiveness of the routines in daily clinical practice, the selection of patients, the treatment duration and content.

Kinesiophobia Is Associated With Pain Intensity and Disability in Chronic Shoulder Pain: A Cross-Sectional Study.

OBJECTIVE: Kinesiophobia is a clinically relevant factor in the management of chronic musculoskeletal pain. The aim of this study was to explore the cross-sectional association between kinesiophobia and both pain intensity and disability among individuals with chronic shoulder pain. METHODS: A total of 65 participants with chronic unilateral subacromial shoulder pain were recruited from 3 primary care centers. The Shoulder Pain and Disability Index assessed pain intensity and disability. The Tampa Scale for Kinesiophobia short form assessed the presence of kinesiophobia. A linear multivariable regression analysis evaluated the potential association between kinesiophobia and range of movement free of pain with pain intensity and disability. The analysis was adjusted for sex and age. RESULTS: In the linear multivariable regression analysis, only greater kinesiophobia (standardized ß = 0.35, P < .01) and sex (standardized ß = -0.29, P < .01) contributed to explain 19% of the variance in shoulder pain and disability scores. CONCLUSION: This cross-sectional study provides preliminary evidence about the association between kinesiophobia and pain intensity and disability among individuals with chronic shoulder pain. However, our findings only contributed to explain 19% of the variance in shoulder pain and disability scores.

A significant relationship between personality traits and adhesive capsulitis.

OBJECTIVE: We investigated the associations between adhesive capsulitis (AC) and a specific psychological profile. METHODS: We assessed 72 patients with phase-II AC. In our study, 36 patients were affected by primary disease and 36 by secondary disease. The inclusion criteria were as follows: unilateral AC and pain in the shoulder for at least two months. The exclusion criteria were: psychiatric and neurological manifestations with a previous diagnosis and inability to comprehend the instruments. Outcomes were determined at 52 weeks. Shoulder pain severity was assessed with the Visual Analog Scale. We also measured the range of motion with a universal goniometer and the strength with the Medical Research Council. We assessed the personality traits of our patients with the Cloninger's Temperament and Character Inventory and the Multidimensional Perfectionism Scale. RESULTS: Patients with primary AC needed more time to improve the symptomatology compared to the group with the secondary disease (p<0.01). Patients with primary AC complained of severe and lasting pain more frequently than patients with the secondary disease (p< 0.01). In patients with primary disease, the prevalence of perfectionism, low levels of novelty seeking, and high levels of harm avoidance were 88.2 and 86.2%, and 80.4, respectively, and below 20 percent in patients with secondary AC disease. CONCLUSION: We found a significant correlation between primary AC and particular personality traits, indicating an interaction between psychological and somatic factors.

A significant relationship between personality traits and adhesive capsulitis

SUMMARY OBJECTIVE We investigated the associations between adhesive capsulitis (AC) and a specific psychological profile. METHODS We assessed 72 patients with phase-II AC. In our study, 36 patients were affected by primary disease and 36 by secondary disease. The inclusion criteria were as follows: unilateral AC and pain in the shoulder for at least two months. The exclusion criteria were: psychiatric and neurological manifestations with a previous diagnosis and inability to comprehend the instruments. Outcomes were determined at 52 weeks. Shoulder pain severity was assessed with the Visual Analog Scale. We also measured the range of motion with a universal goniometer and the strength with the Medical Research Council. We assessed the personality traits of our patients with the Cloninger's Temperament and Character Inventory and the Multidimensional Perfectionism Scale. RESULTS Patients with primary AC needed more time to improve the symptomatology compared to the group with the secondary disease (p<0.01). Patients with primary AC complained of severe and lasting pain more frequently than patients with the secondary disease (p< 0.01). In patients with primary disease, the prevalence of perfectionism, low levels of novelty seeking, and high levels of harm avoidance were 88.2 and 86.2%, and 80.4, respectively, and below 20 percent in patients with secondary AC disease. CONCLUSION We found a significant correlation between primary AC and particular personality traits, indicating an interaction between psychological and somatic factors.

RESUMO OBJETIVO Investigar as associações entre a capsulite adesiva (CA) e um perfil psicológico específico. METODOLOGIA Foram avaliados 72 pacientes com CA fase II. Em nosso estudo, 36 pacientes foram afetados pela doença primária e 36 pela secundária. Os critérios de inclusão foram os seguintes: CA unilateral e dor no ombro durante por pelo menos dois meses. Os critérios de exclusão foram: manifestações neurológicas e psiquiátricas com um diagnóstico prévio e incapacidade de compreender os instrumentos de medição utilizados. Os resultados foram determinados após 52 semanas. A intensidade da dor no ombro foi avaliada usando a Escala Visual Analógica. Também medimos a amplitude de movimento com um goniômetro universal e a força com a escala do Conselho de Pesquisa Médica. Avaliamos os traços da personalidade dos nossos pacientes através do Inventário de Temperamento e Caráter de Cloninger e da Escala Multidimensional de Perfeccionismo. RESULTADOS Pacientes com CA primária precisaram de mais tempo para melhorar a sintomatologia quando comparados ao grupo secundário (p<0,01). Pacientes com CA primária apresentaram mais queixas de dor intensa e duradoura do que pacientes secundários (p< 0,01). Em pacientes com a doença primária, a prevalência de perfeccionismo, baixos níveis de procura por novidade, e altos níveis de prevenção de danos foram 88,2, 86,2% e 80,4, respectivamente, e abaixo de 20% em pacientes secundários. CONCLUSÃO Encontramos uma correlação significativa entre CA primária e traços de personalidade específicos, indicando uma interação entre fatores psicológicos e somáticos.

Is rotator cuff related shoulder pain a multidimensional disorder? An exploratory study.

Background and aims Rotator cuff related shoulder pain has been associated with factors from multiple dimensions such as strength changes, psychosocial measures, comorbidities and level of education. However, to date little research has been undertaken to evaluate which factors explain the greatest variance in pain and disability levels in people with rotator cuff related shoulder pain. The objective of this study was therefore to evaluate which multidimensional examination findings were associated with higher pain and disability in a primary care cohort with rotator cuff related shoulder pain. Methods This was an exploratory cross-sectional cohort study. Sixty-seven participants with rotator cuff related shoulder pain were assessed for: pain intensity, disability; demographic, psychological, social and lifestyle characteristics, and isometric strength of shoulder internal and external rotator muscles. Univariable associations between pain intensity/disability and each variable were assessed using linear regression. Variables with univariable associations (p < 0.1) were entered into backwards stepwise multivariable regression models. Results The multivariable model for pain intensity included sleep and perceived persistence and explained 46.5% of the variance (37.6% uniquely by sleep, 5.4% uniquely by perceived persistence). The multivariable model for disability included sleep and sex and explained 26.8% of the variance (4.5% shared by predictors, 16.4% uniquely by sleep, 5.9% uniquely by sex). Conclusions Rotator cuff-related shoulder pain and disability are associated with sleep disturbance, perceived symptom persistence and sex. Rotator cuff related shoulder pain may be considered a multidimensional disorder. Implications Clinicians need to evaluate sleep and perceived symptom persistence in people with rotator cuff related shoulder pain. Future research may examine whether management strategies for RCRSP directed towards these factors afford improved treatment outcomes.