3D kinematic and eletromyographic evaluation during elevation of the arm in subjects with isolated acromioclavicular osteoarthritis and associated with rotator cuff dysfunction

Abstract

The visiting plan for the visitor researcher, Professor Dr. Lori A Michener (Department of Physical Therapy, Virgina Commonwealth University, USA) will include: 1) Collaboration on Research project: 3D kinematic and eletromyographic evaluation during elevation of the arm in subjects with isolated acromioclavicular osteoarthritis and associated with rotator cuff dysfunction. Abstract of Research Project: Dysfunction of the rotator cuff is one of the most common causes of shoulder pain and can be associated with osteoarthritis of the acromioclavicular joint due to the proximity of the involved structures. However, there is no information about shoulder kinematics and muscle activation in conditions of isolated acromioclavicular osteoarthritis and associated with rotator cuff dysfunction. This kind of information may be useful for the differential diagnosis and clinical interventions in these dysfunctions. The purpose of this study is to evaluate 3D kinematics and muscle activation of the shoulder complex during elevation of the arm in the 2 conditions. Seventy-five subjects (18 - 60 years) will participate and be divided in 3 groups: a) isolated acromioclavicular osteoarthritis; b) acromioclavicular osteoarthritis associated with rotator cuff dysfunction; c) and asymptomatic healthy subjects. Kinematics at the sternoclavicular, acromioclavicular and scapulothoracic and muscle activation of the upper trapezius, anterior serratus and anterior deltoid will be evaluated during elevation of the arm at the sagittal plane. The Brazilian version of the Disabilities of the Arm, Shoulder and Hand questionnaire will used to evaluate function and pain of the upper limbs. The results of this study may support the differential diagnosis of these clinical conditions which is important for better prescription of exercises. 2) Contribution on other projects of the Shoulder Biomechanics research line: during visiting time, some seminars about other projects in development in our laboratory will be presented and papers discussion will be performed. Besides her contribution on the research projects, she will also teach the course "Treatment approaches for shoulder pain" (1 credit) for Graduate students, and will participate as external member in the committee of Defense of Thesis of Graduate Program in Physical Therapy of UFSCar. (AU)