Assessment of abduction motion in patients with rotator cuff tears: an analysis based on inertial sensors

Abstract

BackgroundReduced range of motion in the shoulder can be a source of functional limitation. The use of inertial sensors to quantify movement in addition to more common clinical assessments of the shoulder may allow clinicians to understand that they are potentially unnoticed by visual identification. The aim of this study was to generate an explanatory model for shoulder abduction based on data from inertial sensors.MethodA cross-sectional study was carried out to generate an explanatory model of shoulder abduction based on data from inertial sensors. Shoulder abduction of thirteen older adults suffering from shoulder dysfunction was recorded with two inertial sensors placed on the humerus and scapula. Movement variables (maximum angular mobility, angular peak of velocity, peak of acceleration) were used to explain the functionality of the upper limb assessed using the Upper Limb Functional Index (ULFI). The abduction movement of the shoulder was explained by six variables related to the mobility of the shoulder joint complex. A multivariate analysis of variance (MANOVA) was used to explain the results obtained on the functionality of the upper limb.ResultsThe MANOVA model based on angular mobility explained 69% of the variance of the ULFI value (r-squared = 0.69). The most relevant variables were the abduction-adduction of the humerus and the medial/lateral rotation of the scapula.ConclusionsThe method used in the present study reveals the potential importance of the analysis of the scapular and humeral movements for comprehensive evaluation of the upper limb. Further research should include a wider sample and may seek to use this assessment technique in a range of potential clinical applications.

Measuring outcomes in rotator cuff disorders

“…14 To more accurately assess the range of motion in rotator cuff and other shoulder diseases, motion sensor analysis which can assess scapular and humeral movements, have been shown to be more helpful and can demonstrate the contribution of each of the joints. 15 Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) and ultrasound (US) are both used to evaluate patients after rotator cuff repair. It has been suggested that 25% of patients experience persistent or novel pain after surgical repair, and thus, postoperative imaging of rotator cuff tears is common.…”

Differences in Tridimensional Shoulder Kinematics between Asymptomatic Subjects and Subjects Suffering from Rotator Cuff Tears by Means of Inertial Sensors: A Cross-Sectional Study

“…Previous studies have shown that humerus and scapular kinematics can explain variability in upper limb function [ 36 ]. As patients from the present study were on a waiting list for RCT surgery, the present measures could be used to give priority to subjects who present a greater alteration in the kinematics and function of the shoulder.…”