Correlation of Scapula Dyskinesis and Joint position sense with perception towards function in subjects with Rotator Cuff tear

Rotator cuff tendinopathy constitutes a major part of shoulder joint pathology. Minagawa et al (2013) found the prevalence of rotator cuff tears in the general population to be 22.1% In a recent cross-sectional study by Yamamoto et al, the authors found poor posture as an independent predictor of symptomatic and asymptomatic RC tears. With changing time, we see a drastic shift toward a sedentary lifestyle as more and more people assume poor postures for long periods leading to abnormal muscle activations and changes in kinematics. Changes in scapula kinematics alter the kinematics of the shoulder complex as a whole which further incites rotator cuff injuries. Scapula dyskinesis has been assessed previously after SLAP lesions, Bankart repair, and in subacromial impingement syndromes. A study by Stefano Gumina et al (2019) concluded that RCT provokes alterations in shoulder proprioception, evaluated as loss of joint position sense. Proprioception sense is essential to perform our daily activities. As the shoulder is inherently mobile it depends on joint proprioception for stability and mobility. In RCT, as the continuity of the musculotendon unit is affected it becomes essential to assess joint proprioception and subsequently plan a rehab protocol for the same. We believe that patient’s perception of ability should be valued more than the therapeutic evaluation of function. To assess this perception, we have incorporated the used Disability of Shoulder, Arm and Hand (DASH) and Shoulder Pain and Disability Index (SPADI) as a reliable tool to assess function in rotator cuff injuries. In this study, we aim to find a correlation of scapula dyskinesis and joint position sense with perception towards function in subjects with rotator cuff tear. 62 subjects with unilateral rotator cuff tear will be included in this study. Participants will be recruited into the study according to the inclusion and exclusion criteria. Theses participants will be assessed for scapula dyskinesis using the lateral scapula slide test and the scapula dyskinesis test, for joint position sense using an inclinometer and performing active joint repositioning test. The data collected will be analysed according to the distribution of data using Pearson’s Correlation Test or Spearman’s Correlation Test.