EFFECTS OF POST STROKE SHOULDER PAIN ON UPPER LIMB MOTOR FUNCTION AND PROPRIOCEPTION

Abstract

Introduction: Stroke is a leading cause of death and disease. Stroke causes hemiplegic shoulder pain, which leads to many central and mechanical disorders such as spasticity and shoulder subluxation. Hemiplegic shoulder pain is thought to interfere with proprioception and motor function, reducing the patient's quality of life and hindering their ability to recover. The main objective of this study was to determine whether hemiplegic shoulder pain affects motor function and proprioception of the affected upper limb.

Material & Methods: After ethical approval from ethics board and providing informed consent, a total of 130 participants took part in this study, who were 18 years and above, divided into two groups of 65 each based on pain presence i.e. hemiplegic shoulder pain (HSP) and no hemiplegic shoulder pain (NHSP). Motor function was assessed through Fugl Myer Motor Assessment Scale-Upper Extremity and Proprioception was assessed via Laser pointer assisted angle reproduction test (LP-ART). The angle deviations from normal were recorded. Visual Analogue Scale (VAS) was used to assess pain intensity. SPSS 25 was used for analysis.

Results: Mean age of the participants was 58.97(13.05). Males were 105 (80.8%) and females 25(19.2%). HSP group had 48 males and 17 females, whereas NHSP group comprised of 57 males and 8 females respectively. Demographic data had no differences at baseline. Motor function and proprioception was highly associated with increase pain (P<0.001) i.e. stroke individuals with hemiplegic pain had decreased motor function and proprioception in the painful limb compared to stroke individuals without pain.

Conclusion: Hemiplegic shoulder pain affects motor function and proprioception. Increase intensity of pain leads to an increase in movement errors as well as decreased motor function.