Responsiveness of Isokenetic Dynamometry Parameters, Pain and Activity Level Scores to Evaluate Changes in Patients with Capsulitis of the Shoulder

• Published in: Clinical rehabilitation 2006-05, Vol.20 (6), p.496-501
• Main Authors: van Meeteren, Jetty, Roebroeck, M E, Selles, R W, Stam, H J
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Subjects: Medical treatment; Responsiveness; Shoulder injuries; Shoulder pain
• ISSN: 0269-2155
• DOI: 10.1191/0269215506cr983oa

Objective: To determine the responsiveness to change of isokinetic dynamometry of the shoulder & to compare this responsiveness with outcome measures of pain & activity level. Design: Responsiveness was evaluated as the change in outcome after intra articular steroid injection in patients with capsulitis of the shoulder. Effect sizes of all outcome measures, quantified as standardized response means, were compared. Relationships between change scores of shoulder function & activities were assessed. Subjects: Ten patients with unilateral capsulitis of the shoulder. Main outcome measures: Muscle strength & active range of motion were measured by isokinetic dynamometry. We then calculated involved/uninvolved ratios of the maximal peak torques of abduction, adduction, external & internal rotation, active range of motion of abduction & external rotation. In addition, pain was scored using the numeric rating scale (NRS-101) & activity level was scored using the Shoulder Disability Questionnaire. Results: The standardized response mean of all outcome parameters was equal to or greater than 0.8, except for active range of motion of abduction. No significant differences between the standardized response means were found. There is a significant correlation between the change scores of NRS-101 & Shoulder Disability Questionnaire. No significant correlations were found between the change scores of NRS-101 & Shoulder Disability Questionnaire on the one hand, & involved/uninvolved ratios of peak torques & active range of motion on the other. Conclusions: Responsiveness of all outcome measures is good. Parameters of isokinetic dynamometry may provide additional information as compared with the usual outcome measures of pain & functional level. 2 Tables, 24 References. [Reprinted by permission of Sage Publications Ltd., copyright 2006]