Association between kinetic chain factors and the presence of shoulder pain in the non-athletic population.

Abstract

Background: The proximal-distal energy transfer between body segments occurs through the kinetic chain. Although some kinetic chain aspects have been investigated in individuals not engaged in sports, their relationship with shoulder pain in this population remains unclear. This cross-sectional study aimed to verify associations between kinetic chain factors and the presence of shoulder pain in adults.

Methods: Lumbopelvic stability (single-leg bridge test); active range of motion of the shoulder, trunk, and hip; and isometric peak strength of shoulder, trunk, hip, and knee muscles were assessed. A multivariate binary logistic regression analyzed the likelihood of shoulder pain based on these clinical results.

Results: Forty individuals (26.3 ± 10.4 years, 19 with shoulder pain) were assessed. The isometric strength of trunk extensor muscles significantly influenced the regression model (odds ratio = 0.99 [0.98-1.00]; p = 0.027), indicating that each 1 N increase in strength reduced the likelihood of shoulder pain by about 1%. No significant relationships were observed between other outcomes and shoulder pain.

Discussion: Isometric strength of trunk extensor muscles may be associated with shoulder pain. No associations were observed between shoulder pain and stability, mobility, and strength of other kinetic chain segments.