Sex-Related Differences in Scapular Kinematics During Elevation of the Arm in Asymptomatic Children and Adults.

Recently, it has been suggested that sex may influence scapular kinematics. A more comprehensive analysis of the scapular kinematics in children and adults, including sex as a factor, will help to understand if differences between sexes are present since childhood. The purpose of this study was to compare scapular kinematics between sex in children and adults during elevation of the arm. One-hundred and sixteen asymptomatic adults (58 men and 58 women) and 53 children (28 boys and 25 girls) participated in the study. Three-dimensional scapular kinematics during elevation of the arm were obtained using an electromagnetic tracking device. Women had a more upwardly rotated scapula in the nondominant side (P < .05), with large effects and a more anteriorly tilted position at 60°, 90°, and 120° of arm elevation in the dominant side, and at 90° and 120° in the nondominant side (P < .05) with moderate effects when compared with men. Differences between sexes were not found in the children (P > .05). In conclusion, sex seems to influence scapular kinematics in adulthood, but not in childhood.

Linking patient reported shoulder outcomes to the international classification of functioning, disability and health.

PURPOSE: To link the items from shoulder-specific Patient Reported Outcome Measures (PROMs) to the International Classification of Functioning, Disability and Health (ICF) domains and categories, and to determine if the items fit into the ICF framework. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The Brazilian versions of the Oxford Shoulder Score (OSS), Shoulder Pain and Disability Index (SPADI), Simple Shoulder Test (SST) and Western Ontario Rotator Cuff Index (WORC) were linked to the ICF by two researchers independently. Agreement between raters was determined by calculating the Kappa Index. RESULTS: Fifty-eight items from the PROMs were linked to eight domains and 27 categories of ICF. The PROMs covered components of body functions, activities, and participation. Components of body structure and environmental factors were not covered by any of the PROMs. ​There was substantial agreement between raters when linking the OSS (Kappa index = 0.66), SPADI (Kappa index = 0.92), SST (Kappa index = 0.72) and WORC (Kappa index = 0.71). CONCLUSIONS: WORC and SST were the PROMs that covered the highest number of ICF domains (seven and six, respectively). However, SST is short and may be less time consuming in a clinical assessment. Clinicians can benefit from this study to decide which shoulder-specific PROM may be more adequate according to the clinical demand.Implications For RehabilitationWestern Ontario Rotator Cuff Index was the shoulder-specific Patient Reported Outcome Measure (PROM) that best showed a broader view of functionality through the International Classification of Functioning, Disability and Health (ICF) domains that can influence shoulder pain and disability.Simple Shoulder Test seems to be the most recommended shoulder-specific PROM considering the number of domains covered by the ICF and the clinical evaluation time consumption.Shoulder Pain and Disability Index fails to provide a broader view of functioning through other ICF domains that may influence shoulder pain and disability.

What Predicts a Longer Period of Pain in Patients Referred to an Interdisciplinary Center for Pain Care?

Chronic musculoskeletal pain (CMP) is a global health condition that affects thousands of people. CMP can substantially affect the functional capacity and quality of life of the people impacted, resulting in high costs for health care and social security systems. Sociodemographic factors may play a significant role in pain chronification prevention and control programs. Thus, current risk factors for CMP must be seriously considered as part of an interdisciplinary management strategy. The purpose of the study was to identify the primary sociodemographic characteristics of CMP patients at a multidisciplinary and specialized center for chronic pain. This is a retrospective investigation based on a review of medical records. Age, gender, income, and the time of onset of pain symptoms were among the variables included in the analyzed data. To analyze variables related to the duration of discomfort, a multiple regression model was utilized. Sociodemographic factors explained 37.94% of experiencing prolonged pain, according to the study's findings. Being female and having a family income above the minimum wage were variables that were directly proportional to discomfort duration. Age was not associated with a prolonged duration of pain perception.

Neck or Shoulder? Establishing Consensus for Spine Screening in Patients with Shoulder Pain: an International Modified Delphi Study.

OBJECTIVE: There is no established consensus for screening the spine in patients with shoulder pain. The aim of this study was to explore the role of the spine in shoulder pain and generate a set of recommendations for assessing the potential involvement of the spine in patients with shoulder pain. METHODS: A modified Delphi study was conducted through use of an international shoulder physical therapist's expert panel. Three domains (clinical reasoning, history, physical examination) were evaluated using a Likert scale, with consensus defined as Aiken Validity Index ≥0.7. RESULTS: Twenty-two physical therapists participated. Consensus was reached on a total of 30 items: clinical reasoning (n = 9), history (n = 13), and physical examination (n = 8). The statement that spinal and shoulder disorders can coexist, sometimes influencing each other and at other times remaining independent issues, along with the concept of radiating pain as an explanatory phenomenon for the spine contribution to shoulder pain, achieved the highest degree of consensus. CONCLUSION: International physical therapists shoulder experts reached consensus on key aspects when screening the spine in people with shoulder pain, including consideration of the distal location of symptoms relative to the shoulder, the presence or previous history of neck pain, the changes in symptoms related to neck movements, and the presence of neuropathic-like symptoms. They also acknowledged the importance of assessing active cervical or cervicothoracic movements and the usefulness of the Spurling test and symptom modification techniques applied to the spine.

Scapular movement training is not superior to standardized exercises in the treatment of individuals with chronic shoulder pain and scapular dyskinesis: randomized controlled trial.

PURPOSE: To investigate whether scapular movement training (SMT) is superior to standardized exercises in improving scapular biomechanics, behavioral, and clinical aspects of individuals with shoulder pain. METHODS AND METHODS: A total of 64 individuals with chronic shoulder pain were randomly assigned to receive 16 sessions of SMT or SE over 8 weeks. Outcome measures included three-dimensional scapular kinematics, muscle activity of scapulothoracic muscles, pain, disability, fear-avoidance, kinesiophobia, and self-perceived changes. Kinematics and muscle activity were assessed at baseline and after treatment, and self-reported measurements at baseline, 4, 8, and 12 weeks. RESULTS: SMT significantly (p < 0.05) decreased scapular internal rotation during arm elevation and lowering at sagittal and scapular planes (mean difference [MD]: ranged from 2.8 to 4.1°), and at lower angles of arm elevation and lowering at the frontal plane (MD: 3.4° and 2.4°, respectively), increased upper trapezius (UT) activity (MD: 10.3%) and decreased middle trapezius (MT) (MD: 60.4%) and serratus anterior (MD: 9.9%) activity during arm lowering compared to SE. Both groups significantly improved pain, disability, fear-avoidance, kinesiophobia, and self-perceived changes over 4 weeks, which was sustained over the remaining 8 weeks. CONCLUSIONS: SMT is not superior to standardized exercises in improving scapular biomechanics, behavioral, and clinical aspects of individuals with shoulder pain. CLINICAL TRIAL REGISTRATION NUMBER: NCT03528499Implications for rehabilitationScapular movement training (SMT) showed small and likely not clinically relevant changes in scapular kinematics and muscle activity compared to standardized exercises.SMT and standardized exercises presented similar improvements in pain, disability, fear-avoidance beliefs, kinesiophobia, and self-perceived change in health condition immediately following 4-weeks of treatment, which was sustained over the following 8 weeks.The changes in patient-reported outcome measures are unlikely to be associated with changes in scapular kinematics and electromyographic activity.Clinicians should consider other factors than scapular movement during the treatment of patients with shoulder pain.

Association of trunk and lower limb factors with shoulder complaints and sport performance in overhead athletes: A systematic review including GRADE recommendations and meta-analysis.

OBJECTIVE: To identify the association of trunk and lower limb factors with shoulder complaints and sport performance in overhead athletes. METHODS: Search performed at PubMed/Medline, Embase, CINAHL, LILACS, Cochrane, Web of Science and SPORTDiscus for observational studies. Methodological quality and strength of the evidence was assessed with the Newcastle-Ottawa Scale and GRADE. Meta-analysis and effects sizes analysis were calculated when possible. RESULTS: Sixty-five studies were included. Low to very-low evidence suggests no association of trunk/lower limb strength, endurance, power, jump or balance with shoulder complaints and/or throwing performance. Athletes with shoulder complaints performed worse in trunk stability and endurance tests (mean difference: -6.83 (95%CI: -8.78, -4.88)). Athletes with high throwing performance presented better results in CMJ, horizontal jump, power measures and knee extension strength. For swimmers, there was no association of trunk/lower limb endurance with shoulder complaints (moderate evidence) and no association of balance and swimming performance (low evidence). Better trunk/lower limb strength, power and vertical jumps measures were associated with better swimming performance. CONCLUSIONS: In methodologically similar studies, some trunk/lower limb outcomes are associated with shoulder complaint or sport/swimming performance. Results should be considered with caution and future studies should use better methodologies.

Clinical Assessment of Chronic Musculoskeletal Pain-A Framework Proposal Based on a Narrative Review of the Literature.

The assessment of chronic musculoskeletal pain (CMP) is a challenge shared by several health professionals. Fragmented or incomplete assessment can cause deleterious consequences for the patient's function. The objective of this paper was to propose a framework for clinical assessment of CMP based on the current literature and following the conceptual model of the International Classification of Functioning and Health (ICF). We propose that the ICF rationale may help to guide the processes, acting as a moderator of the clinical assessment, since it changes the perspective used to obtain and interpret findings during anamnesis and physical examination. Additionally, updated specific knowledge about pain, including that of pain domains and mechanisms, along with effective patient-clinician communication may act as a mediator of CMP assessment. We conduct the readers through the steps of the clinical assessment of CMP using both the proposed moderator and mediators and present a clinical example of application. We suggest that the proposed framework may help clinicians to implement a CMP assessment based on the biopsychosocial model using a critical and updated rationale, potentially improving assessment outcomes, i.e., clinical diagnosis.

Is the angular onset of pain during arm elevation associated to functioning in individuals with rotator cuff related shoulder pain?

BACKGROUND: Rotator cuff related shoulder pain (RCRSP) is the main diagnosis for shoulder pain. A painful arc during active arm elevation is a common finding in RCRSP. The angular onset of pain during arm elevation may play an important role on functioning of the upper extremities. OBJECTIVE: This study aimed to: 1) determine and characterize the association between the angular onset of pain during arm elevation and upper-limb self-reported functioning, 2) verify whether demographic and clinical characteristics contribute to this association, and 3) investigate whether these characteristics differ considering distinct ranges of angular onset of pain in individuals with RCRSP. METHODS: 252 individuals with RCRSP were divided in 3 groups based on the angular onset of pain during arm elevation in the sagittal plane: <60°, 60°-120°, and >120°. The Disabilities of the Arm, Shoulder and Hand (DASH) questionnaire was used to assess functioning of the upper limbs. Demographic and clinical characteristics were selected for the multivariable analysis. RESULTS: Individuals with an angular onset of pain above 120° of arm elevation presented lower DASH score (lesser disability) than individuals with an angular onset of pain between 60°- 120°. Male sex, age, dominance of the side affected, duration of symptoms, and the angular onset of pain during arm elevation explained 31% of the DASH score variance. CONCLUSION: Individuals with RCRSP and angular onset of pain above 120° of arm elevation present better functioning than individuals with onset of pain between 60°-120°, and similar functioning as those with pain below 60°. Male sex, lower age, non-dominant side being affected and longer duration of symptoms are also associated to better functioning as assessed by the DASH questionnaire.

International physical therapists consensus on clinical descriptors for diagnosing rotator cuff related shoulder pain: A Delphi study.

BACKGROUND: There is a lack of standardized criteria for diagnosing rotator cuff related shoulder pain (RCRSP). OBJECTIVE: To identify the most relevant clinical descriptors for diagnosing RCRSP. METHODS: A Delphi study was conducted through use of an international physical therapists expert panel. A 3-round Delphi survey involving an international panel of physical therapists experts with extensive clinical, teaching, and research experience was conducted. A search query was performed in Web of Science, along with a manual search, to find the experts. The first round was composed of items obtained from a previous pilot Delphi study along with new items proposed by the experts. Participants were asked to rate items across six clinical domains using a five-point Likert scale. An Aiken's Validity Index ≥ 0.7 was considered indicative of group consensus. RESULTS: Fifteen experts participated in the Delphi survey. After the three rounds, consensus was reached on 18 clinical descriptors: 10 items were included in the "subjective examination" domain, 1 item was included in the "patient-reported outcome measures" domain, 3 items in the "diagnostic examination" domain, 2 items in the "physical examination" domain", and 2 items in the "functional tests" domain. No items reached consensus within the "special tests" domain. The reproduction of symptoms in relation to the application of load, the performance of overhead activities, and the need of active and resisted movement assessment were some of the results with greatest consensus. CONCLUSION: In this Delphi study, a total of 18 clinical descriptors across six clinical domains were agreed upon for diagnosing RCRSP.

Scapular movement training versus standardized exercises for individuals with chronic shoulder pain: protocol for a randomized controlled trial.

BACKGROUND: Scapular focused exercise interventions are frequently used to treat individuals with shoulder pain. However, evidence for changes in scapular motion after intervention is limited. OBJECTIVE: To compare the effects of scapular movement training versus standardized exercises for individuals with shoulder pain. METHODS: This will be a single-blinded randomized controlled trial. Sixty-four individuals with shoulder pain for at least 3 months, scapular dyskinesis, and a positive scapular assistance test will be randomly allocated to one of two groups: Scapular Movement Training (group 1) and Standardized Exercises (group 2). Group 1 will receive education about scapular position and movement, and be trained to modify the scapular movement pattern. Group 2 will perform stretching and strengthening exercises. Both groups will be treated twice a week for eight weeks. Three-dimensional scapular kinematics and muscle activity of the serratus anterior and upper, middle, and lower trapezius during elevation and lowering of the arm will be assessed at baseline and after 8 weeks of treatment. Pain intensity, function, fear avoidance beliefs, and kinesiophobia will be assessed at baseline and after 4 and 8 weeks of treatment, and 4 weeks after the end of treatment. CONCLUSIONS: The results of this study may contribute to a better understanding of the efficacy of scapular focused treatments for individuals with shoulder pain. CLINICAL TRIAL REGISTRATION: NCT03528499.

Pain-related fear phenotypes are associated with function of the upper limbs in individuals with shoulder pain.

OBJECTIVE: To identify and describe phenotypes related to kinesiophobia, fear-avoidance, and pain catastrophizing, and determine clinical and demographic characteristics related to each phenotype as a function of self-reported function of the upper limbs in individuals with shoulder pain. METHODS: One hundred and seventy-seven individuals with shoulder pain participated in this study. Tampa Scale of Kinesiophobia, Fear-Avoidance Beliefs Questionnaire, Pain Catastrophizing Scale, Disabilities of the Arm, Shoulder and Hand Questionnaire (DASH), Numerical Pain of Rating Scale, and the angular onset of pain during the elevation of the arm were measured in all participants. A cluster analysis was performed considering kinesiophobia, fear-avoidance, and pain catastrophizing, then clinical and demographic characteristics of clusters were used to model individual's chance to belong to one of the clusters as a function of DASH. RESULTS: Two clusters were identified based on kinesiophobia, fear-avoidance, and pain catastrophizing. The cluster with worse pain-related fear profile presented (p < 0.05) higher age, worse function, and higher pain intensity. This same cluster was also associated with involvement of the dominant side (OR = 2.10, 95% CI = 1.03, 4.41) and worse function (OR = 0.96, 95% CI = 0.94, 0.98). CONCLUSION: This study identified that individuals with worse pain-related fear profile were older, with worse function, and higher pain intensity. Worse function and involvement of the dominant side were associated with the phenotype with a worse pain-related fear condition.

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.

Effects of cervical mobilization and exercise on pain, movement and function in subjects with temporomandibular disorders: a single group pre-post test.

OBJECTIVE: To investigate the effect of a rehabilitation program based on cervical mobilization and exercise on clinical signs and mandibular function in subjects with temporomandibular disorder (TMD). MATERIAL AND METHODS: Single-group pre-post test, with baseline comparison. SUBJECTS: Twelve women (22.08±2.23 years) with myofascial pain and mixed TMD according to the Research Diagnostic Criteria for Temporomandibular Disorders. OUTCOME MEASURES: Subjects were evaluated three times: twice before (baseline phase) and once after intervention. Self-reported pain, jaw function [according to the Mandibular Functional Impairment Questionnaire (MFIQ)], pain-free maximum mouth opening (MMO), and pressure pain thresholds (PPTs) of both masseter and temporalis muscles were obtained. Baseline and post-intervention differences were investigated, and effect size was estimated through Cohen's d coefficient. RESULTS: Jaw function improved 7 points on the scale after the intervention (P=0.019), and self-reported pain was significantly reduced (P=0.009). Pain-free MMO varied from 32.3±8.8 mm to 38±8.8 mm and showed significant improvement (P=0.017) with moderate effect size when compared to the baseline phase. PPT also increased with moderate effect size, and subjects had the baseline values changed from 1.23±0.2 kg/cm2 to 1.4±0.2 kg/cm2 in the left masseter (P=0.03), from 1.31±0.28 kg/cm2 to 1.51±0.2 kg/cm2 in the right masseter (P>0.05), from 1.32±0.2 kg/cm2 to 1.46±0.2 kg/cm2 in the left temporalis (P=0.047), and from 1.4±0.2 kg/cm2 to 1.67±0.3 kg/cm2 in the right temporalis (P=0.06). CONCLUSIONS: The protocol caused significant changes in pain-free MMO, self-reported pain, and functionality of the stomatognathic system in subjects with myofascial TMD, regardless of joint involvement. Even though these differences are statistically significant, their clinical relevance is still questionable.

Effects of cervical mobilization and exercise on pain, movement and function in subjects with temporomandibular disorders: a single group pre-post test

ABSTRACT Objective To investigate the effect of a rehabilitation program based on cervical mobilization and exercise on clinical signs and mandibular function in subjects with temporomandibular disorder (TMD). Material and Methods: Single-group pre-post test, with baseline comparison. Subjects Twelve women (22.08±2.23 years) with myofascial pain and mixed TMD according to the Research Diagnostic Criteria for Temporomandibular Disorders. Outcome measures Subjects were evaluated three times: twice before (baseline phase) and once after intervention. Self-reported pain, jaw function [according to the Mandibular Functional Impairment Questionnaire (MFIQ)], pain-free maximum mouth opening (MMO), and pressure pain thresholds (PPTs) of both masseter and temporalis muscles were obtained. Baseline and post-intervention differences were investigated, and effect size was estimated through Cohen’s d coefficient. Results Jaw function improved 7 points on the scale after the intervention (P=0.019), and self-reported pain was significantly reduced (P=0.009). Pain-free MMO varied from 32.3±8.8 mm to 38±8.8 mm and showed significant improvement (P=0.017) with moderate effect size when compared to the baseline phase. PPT also increased with moderate effect size, and subjects had the baseline values changed from 1.23±0.2 kg/cm2 to 1.4±0.2 kg/cm2 in the left masseter (P=0.03), from 1.31±0.28 kg/cm2 to 1.51±0.2 kg/cm2 in the right masseter (P>0.05), from 1.32±0.2 kg/cm2 to 1.46±0.2 kg/cm2 in the left temporalis (P=0.047), and from 1.4±0.2 kg/cm2 to 1.67±0.3 kg/cm2 in the right temporalis (P=0.06). Conclusions The protocol caused significant changes in pain-free MMO, self-reported pain, and functionality of the stomatognathic system in subjects with myofascial TMD, regardless of joint involvement. Even though these differences are statistically significant, their clinical relevance is still questionable.