Shoulder joint rotational range of motion characteristics among the elderly.
Daisuke Toyoda, Tomohiro Mizuno, Kenji Iwatate
PMID 40599836WHAT IT FOUND
Elderly adults have significantly less total shoulder rotation than young adults in most arm positions.
The pattern of which positions allow more movement stays the same with age, but the overall range shrinks. Therapists should measure multiple positions, not just one, to catch these changes.
Key findings
01Total rotational range of motion was significantly lower in elderly participants compared to young healthy adults at abd60, 2nd, hf30, hf60, 3rd, flex60, and flex30 positions.
02The ranking of positions by total range of motion was consistent across age groups: higher in abd60, 2nd, and hf30, and lower in 1st, 3rd, and flex60.
03Elderly participants showed significantly lower internal rotation at abd30, abd60, 2nd, hf30, and 3rd positions, and significantly lower external rotation at 1st, 2nd, hf30, hf60, 3rd, flex60, and flex30 positions.
STILL TO COME
How it was doneWhat they foundWhat it means for PTsWhat it means for OTs
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What it does not show
The study did not measure scapular movement, which is a key part of shoulder function and can compensate for glenohumeral stiffness. The relationship between the measured ranges and the joint's 'loose-packed' position was inferred from literature but not directly verified in this study. The sample did not account for gender differences in flexibility, as men and women were not analyzed separately. The participants were healthy volunteers without shoulder complaints, so results may not apply to elderly patients with existing shoulder pathology or pain.
Declared interests
The authors declared no conflicts of interest.
The easy way to misread this
Do not assume that elderly patients have a uniform loss of shoulder rotation across all arm positions. The study found that while total range is lower, the specific positions that allow the most motion (like abduction 60°) remain the same as in young adults. Assessing only one position may underestimate or overestimate the patient's functional capacity in others.