Shoulder Joint Range Research Articles

Comparison of upper limb musculoskeletal function and throwing performance in adolescent baseball players and matched controls

Objectives: To compare upper limb musculoskeletal profile and throwing speed in adolescent baseball players and matched controls. Participants: Fourteen elite early adolescent (13–16 years) baseball players and 14 age, height and weight matched control subjects. Main outcome measures: Joint range of motion, isometric muscle strength and overhead throwing speed. Results: No significant differences in shoulder or elbow joint range of motion were found, though there was a significant increase in pronation (P=0·03) in the baseball group compared to the control group. No significant differences in shoulder and elbow isometric muscle strength were found between the groups. However, the baseball players threw the ball approximately 50% faster than control subjects. Conclusions: Fast throwing speeds may be achieved in well-trained early adolescent baseball players without changes in isometric muscle strength and with changes in only some ranges of motion. Greater emphasis on the achievement of fast throwing speed by the use of sound overhead throwing technique, particularly in the early stages of a baseball career, may minimize the development of upper limb joint range and muscle strength imbalances which possibly predispose baseball players to injury.

Reliability of five methods for assessing shoulder range of motion

In symptomatic subjects, the reliability of tests for shoulder joint range of motion has yet to be determined. For this reason, inter-rater and intra-rater agreement trials were undertaken to ascertain the reliability of visual estimation, goniometry, still photography, "stand and reach" and hand behind back reach for six different shoulder movements. Intra-class correlation coefficients (Rho) were derived by using a random effects model. For flexion, abduction and external rotation fair to good reliability was demonstrated for both trials using visual estimation (Inter-rater Rho = 0.57-0.70; Intra-rater Rho = 0.59-0.67), goniometry (Inter-rater Rho = 0.64-0.69; Intra-rater Rho = 0.53-0.65) and still photography (Inter-rater Rho = 0.62-0.73; Intra-rater Rho = 0.56-0.61). The tests had standard errors of measurement of between 14 and 25 degrees (inter-rater trial) and 11 and 23 degrees (intra-rater trial).

Examination of shoulder positioning after stroke: A randomised controlled pilot trial

Shoulder pain and stiffness is a serious problem in patients following stroke. The purpose of this study was to investigate the effect of a shoulder positioning protocol on shoulder joint pain and range in the affected upper limb. Twenty-eight subjects were randomly assigned to the experimental or control groups and participated in a multidisciplinary rehabilitation program. In addition, the experimental group received prolonged positioning of the shoulder daily for six weeks. Resting pain, pain on dressing, pain-free active abduction and passive external rotation range were measured on entry to the study and after six weeks. Twenty-three subjects completed the study. The differences between the groups were not statistically significant (p < 0.05), however, because of low statistical power the results are inconclusive.

Prevalence and Severity of Morbidity Among Gujarati Asian Elders: a Controlled Comparison

Asian elders make relatively heavy use of health services: this may be due to higher levels of morbidity, but controlled comparisons have not been carried out. A comparison of the prevalence and severity of chronic diseases and use of health services of Asian and indigenous elders was made. A sample of 59 Gujarati Asians of mean age 62.9 years and 59 indigenous subjects of mean age 63.9 years of whom 42% (25 in each group) were female drawn from a general practice was studied. Asian subjects had a higher prevalence of diagnosed diseases, with the exception of chronic obstructive airways disease, but lower risk of falls and urinary incontinence. Asian subjects had higher life satisfaction scores and lower prevalence of depressed mood. Asian women were more likely to have had contact with primary care services. Both Asian men and women had more frequent hospital admissions, but similar levels of out-patient attendance. Body mass index, blood pressure and shoulder joint range of movement were similar for both Asians and the indigenous population. Asian subjects had significantly lower peak expiratory flow rates and hand grip strength. Asian elders have a higher risk of chronic diseases, but the impact of disease (indicated by life satisfaction, mood, and common disabilities) is less than among the indigenous population. Lower peak expiratory flow rates and grip strength among Asian elders are of concern since they may lead to premature arrival at age-related thresholds of physical capacity essential for independence in activities of daily living.