Journal CME, May 2022: Shoulder pain and ultrasound findings: A comparison study of wheelchair athletes, nonathletic wheelchair users, and nonwheelchair users-Article.pdf

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The study aimed to characterize and compare the prevalence of shoulder pain and ultrasound findings of shoulder pathology among wheelchair athletes, nonathletic wheelchair users, and nonwheelchair users. It was a cross-sectional study conducted in Chicago-area adaptive sports programs and musculoskeletal clinics, with 34 wheelchair athletes, 6 nonathletic wheelchair users, and 12 nonwheelchair users participating.<br /><br />Key outcomes measured included self-reported shoulder pain, the Wheelchair User Shoulder Pain Index (WUSPI), Physical Examination of Shoulder Scale (PESS), and ultrasound metrics like acromiohumeral distance (AHD) and shoulder pathology.<br /><br />Major findings indicate that a majority of both wheelchair athletes (68%) and nonathletic wheelchair users (67%) had experienced shoulder pain. However, there was no significant increase in shoulder pain with participation in wheelchair sports compared to non-participation. Within sports, wheelchair basketball players had noticeably higher WUSPI scores, suggesting a higher prevalence of shoulder pain in sports involving repetitive overhead motions.<br /><br />Ultrasound findings did not show a significant difference in shoulder pathology between wheelchair athletes and nonathletic wheelchair users. Both groups had a higher prevalence of shoulder pathology compared to nonwheelchair users. Interestingly, while AHD measurements were similar between athletic and nonathletic wheelchair users, wheelchair users had higher AHD in some positions compared to nonwheelchair users, contrary to expected outcomes related to shoulder pain or impingement.<br /><br />Overall, the study suggests that wheelchair sports participation might not increase shoulder pain risk when considering sports collectively. However, specific sports like wheelchair basketball may pose a higher risk. Further research with larger sample sizes and longitudinal follow-ups is needed to substantiate these findings and explore the relationship between different wheelchair sports and shoulder pathology.

Keywords

shoulder pain

wheelchair athletes

nonathletic wheelchair users

nonwheelchair users

ultrasound findings

Wheelchair User Shoulder Pain Index

Physical Examination of Shoulder Scale

acromiohumeral distance

wheelchair basketball

shoulder pathology