Background & Aims

Rotator cuff tears (RCT) are a common cause of shoulder discomfort and impairment, affecting anywhere from 5% to 39% of the general population and becoming more prevalent as individuals age. Despite extensive research, the exact cause of shoulder pain resulting from rotator cuff injuries remains unclear. Those with RCTs often experience heightened pain levels when moving their shoulder as opposed to when they are at rest. Quantitative sensory testing techniques assess the sensory processing of both large and small sensory fibers, offering valuable insights into pain mechanisms. Temporal summation (TS) is a dynamic quantitative sensory testing approach that activates neural processes associated with the facilitation of pain. Whether the intensity of movement-evoked pain severity is significantly impacted by TS of pain remains a topic that requires further exploration. Hence, we aimed to determine the relationship between sensitivity to movement-evoked pain and TS in individuals with RCT

Methods

This study included 76 individuals diagnosed with RCTs on diagnostic imaging (US/MRI). Inclusion criteria: 18 to 65 years of age, presenting with unilateral symptomatic RCT. Exclusion criteria: history of surgery in the affected shoulder, other diagnosed shoulder disorders (osteoarthritis, instability, infection, labral tear) requiring surgery, and diagnosed psychological disorders. Demographic details were collected, and measures of pain intensity on the affected side at rest and active shoulder elevation in the sagittal plane were recorded using a numerical pain rating scale (NRS). Three trials of TS of mechanical stimulation were measured using a Semmes-Weinstein monofilament: 6.65 on the dorsal aspect of the uninvolved forearm. To measure TS the pain intensity was recorded on the NRS after the first stimuli and at the end of the 10th stimulus. Mechanical TS of pain was considered as the difference between the mean score following the series of the 10th and first stimulus.

Results

Thirty-seven percent of participants were females, with a mean age of 56±7.2 years. Spearman’s rank correlation coefficient was performed as the data appeared monotonic. Our study revealed a weak correlation between increased sensitivity to movement-evoked pain and mechanical temporal summation (r = 0.21, p = 0.02). Factors like age, gender, chronicity, and hand dominance were not accounted for in this study which could be contributing factors.

Conclusions

Results suggest a weak correlation between sensitivity to movement-evoked pain and temporal summation in individuals with rotator cuff tear of the shoulder. These findings are directed toward the measurement of movement-evoked pain and temporal summation in individuals with rotator cuff tears.

References

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Presenting Author

Anupama Prabhu

Poster Authors

Anupama Prabhu

PT

Manipal Academy of Higher Education

Lead Author

Topics

  • Mechanisms: Biological-Systems (Physiology/Anatomy)