Active and Passive Shoulder Range of Motion in Healthy Older People

Abstract

This study was conducted to determine the effect of increasing age on four shoulder movements and to explore the need for normative data for shoulder range of motion (ROM) in people aged 50 years and older. Forty-one participants were conveniently recruited according to four age categories: 50–59 years, 60–69 years, 70–79 years and 80 years and over. Goniometric measurement of bilateral active and passive ROM for flexion, abduction, internal rotation and external rotation was analysed using paired sample t-tests and compared with the norms of the American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons (AAOS) using one sample t-tests. Passive ROM was greater than active ROM for all movements (p<0.001). Active and passive ROM were significantly (p<0.01) lower than the AAOS norms, except for passive external rotation (p = 0.07). The General Linear Model procedure was used to determine the effect of age, gender, activity level, work history and body mass index on active ROM. The results showed that age (p = 0.001) and work history (p = 0.012) significantly influenced flexion, work history (p = 0.008) significantly influenced abduction and gender (p = 0.018) significantly influenced internal rotation. None of the independent variables influenced active external rotation. Preliminary normative data are presented as percentiles by age and work history for clinical reference. Comparing patients' ROM measurements with age-related and activity-related norms will assist occupational therapists in establishing realistic goals during rehabilitation.