Is There any Relationship between Painful Shoulder Disorders and Balance?

INTRODUCTION: In spite of the increasing number of balance assessment studies, the relationship between painful upper extremity and balance disorders is not yet fully understood. The objective of this paper was to determine if balance was affected by painful shoulder syndromes.
METHODS: A total of 40 adults aged between 20-60, 20 with painful shoulder syndrome (study group) and 20 with healthy shoulders (control group). Stability tests and the risk of fall were evaluated with the help of a Biodex Balance device, the range of motion was evaluated with the help of a universal goniometer, and the intensity of pain was measured with the help of visual analog scale (VAS) in both groups.
RESULTS: While the overall stability index, one of the subgroups of the stability test, differed between the groups (p< 0.05), no difference was observed in the fall risk scores (p≥0.05). Stability test scores showed a positive significant correlation with the pain intensity, according to the VAS: pain during night (r2=0.452, p=0.045) and pain while doing any activity (r2=0.764, p=0.000).
DISCUSSION AND CONCLUSION: Individuals with painful shoulders may have a stability disorder. In addition to classical measurement methods in individuals with shoulder pain, emphasis should be placed on balance assessment and shoulder evaluations may be required in adults with atypical balance disorders.