Hand Grip Strength as a Clinical Proxy for Shoulder Function in Rotator Cuff Rehabilitation

Abstract

Background

Shoulder discomfort affects 16% to 21% of the population, second only to low back pain among musculoskeletal problems. Disabilities and functional limitations are most often caused by rotator cuff injuries, which affect more people than any other shoulder problem. Mechanical stress, tendon degeneration, and neuromuscular dysfunction are all factors in the condition's genesis, which causes changes in glenohumeral biomechanics and a decrease in the function of the upper limbs.

Objective

Finding out if hand grip strength (HGS) can stand in for shoulder function in clinical situations was the main goal of the research. This is achieved by delving into the correlation between HGS and shoulder rotator cuff strength.

Methods:

Fifty people diagnosed with RC tendinopathy participated in a cross-sectional research. Analogue pain scales and dynamometry were used to measure LRS, HGS, and pain overall.Regression and Pearson correlation analysis were performed.

Results:

From HGS to LRS, there were significant positive associations (r = 0.351-0.850, p < 0.05). The pain-LRS relationship was strongly inverse (r = −0.697 to −0.847, p < 0.001).

Conclusion

It seems that hand grip strength may be used as a proxy measure for shoulder function, namely how well the rotator cuff is working. However, further clinical studies in pathological populations are required to confirm its diagnostic and prognostic utility in musculoskeletal practice..