Assessment of upper limb function between symptomatic and asymptomatic rotator cuff tears in older adults: A grant proposal

Rotator cuff tears (RCT) can affect up to 50% of the older population and this injury is typically associated with functional deficits and shoulder pain that prevent people from living a typical lifestyle. Particularly in an older population, this type of pain increases functional dependency on others and can hinder the possibility of independent living. An area of shoulder pathology that lacks research is the functional differences in symptomatic and asymptomatic tears on activities of daily living (ADL). In order to more fully understand the functional presentations associated with each of these types of tears, it is critical that we evaluate the various mechanisms that contribute to altered movement patterns. Understanding these different compensatory patterns between asymptomatic and symptomatic tears will allow for a better understanding of the presentation of this shoulder pathology and provide new insight for diagnostic and rehabilitation purposes. Therefore, the objective of this study is to quantify kinematic differences of daily upper limb movements between symptomatic and asymptomatic RCTs in an older population. To accomplish this goal, we will be using motion capture and electromyography to assess typical ADL movements and their associated muscle activation patterns during 2D and 3D tasks in older adults (≥55 years). Strength and shoulder range of motion measures will also be taken, as well as self-reported measures of function and pain. Through this project, we seek to understand the presentation of RCTs and what characteristics are associated with symptoms. Long term, outcomes from this work will be used to develop a more standardized approach to early detection and treatment of this common shoulder pathology in the older adult population.