Association of Shoulder Pain With the Use of Mobility Devices in Persons With Chronic Spinal Cord Injury

PM R, 2010 · DOI: 10.1016/j.pmrj.2010.05.004 · Published: October 1, 2010

Spinal Cord Injury Assistive Technology Orthopedics

Simple Explanation

This study investigates how common shoulder pain is among people with long-term spinal cord injuries (SCI) and whether it's linked to the devices they use to move around. The research found that shoulder pain is indeed a frequent issue for individuals with SCI, regardless of whether they use manual wheelchairs, motorized wheelchairs, crutches, or canes. The findings suggest that shoulder pain in SCI isn't solely due to manual wheelchair use, highlighting the need to explore other contributing factors and potential treatments.

Study Duration

Between August 2005 and January 2008

Participants

93 participants with chronic SCI

Evidence Level

Cross-sectional analysis within a cohort study

Key Findings

1
Shoulder pain was reported by 39.8% of participants, making it the third most common site of pain after the legs and back.
2
Shoulder pain prevalence was similar among motorized wheelchair users (46.7%), manual wheelchair users (35.4%), and those using aids like crutches or canes (47.6%).
3
There was no statistically significant difference in shoulder pain prevalence across the four mobility groups (motorized wheelchair, manual wheelchair, aids, no assistance).

Research Summary

This cross-sectional study examined the prevalence of shoulder pain and its association with mobility devices in individuals with chronic SCI. The study found a high prevalence of shoulder pain (39.8%) among participants with SCI, with similar rates reported across different mobility device users. The findings challenge the conventional view that shoulder pain in SCI is primarily linked to manual wheelchair use and highlight the need for further research into other contributing factors.

Practical Implications

Rethinking Shoulder Pain Etiology

The study suggests that the causes of shoulder pain in SCI are more complex than just manual wheelchair use, requiring a broader assessment of mechanical and non-mechanical factors.

Targeted Treatment Strategies

Identifying the various factors contributing to shoulder pain can lead to more targeted and effective treatment strategies for individuals with SCI.

Further Research Directions

The study calls for further research to investigate the underlying causes of shoulder pain in different SCI populations and mobility device users.

Study Limitations

1
Relatively small sample size of 93 participants
2
Limited number of female patients in the study
3
Lack of imaging and standardized questionnaire data on the etiology of shoulder pain

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