This case-control study aims to investigate the prevalence and determinants of shoulder girdle musculoskeletal complaints (pain, spasm, stiffness, range of motion impairments) in geriatric patients (aged 60+) with diminished vision (visual acuity \<6/60) due to Age-related Macular Degeneration (AMD), compared to a control group of age-matched elderly individuals with normal vision. The study will also assess the impact of these complaints on functional ability (Activities of Daily Living - ADL, Instrumental Activities of Daily Living - IADL) and quality of life using standardized questionnaires.
This is an observational, case-control study conducted at the ophthalmology and geriatrics departments of Helwan University Hospitals and Beni-Suef University Hospitals. A total of 100 participants will be enrolled: 50 cases with visually significant AMD and visual acuity \<6/60, and 50 controls with normal vision. All participants will undergo a comprehensive assessment including: detailed history taking, full ophthalmic examination (visual acuity, slit-lamp, fundus examination), geriatric assessment (ADL, IADL), and a structured musculoskeletal evaluation of the shoulder girdle and neck. The musculoskeletal evaluation will include assessment of pain (Visual Analog Scale), spasm, stiffness, and active/passive range of motion measured by an orthopedic surgeon using standardized tools like a digital inclinometer. Health-related quality of life will be measured using the Arabic Version of the National Eye Institute Visual Function Questionnaire (ARB-VFQ-25). Statistical analysis will be performed to compare the two groups and identify correlating factors.
Study Type
OBSERVATIONAL
Enrollment
100
Beni Suef University
Banī Suwayf, Beni Suweif Governorate, Egypt
Prevalence of Shoulder Girdle Pain
Measure: Proportion of participants reporting shoulder girdle pain (Yes/No), assessed via standardized history and Visual Analog Scale (VAS).
Time frame: Singleassessmentatenrollment(Day1)
Prevalence of Shoulder Girdle Spasm and Stiffness
Measure: Proportion of participants with clinically identified shoulder girdle spasm and stiffness (Yes/No).
Time frame: Singleassessmentatenrollment(Day1)
Shoulder and Neck Range of Motion (ROM)
Measure: Degrees of active and passive ROM (Flexion, Abduction, Internal/External Rotation) measured with a digital inclinometer. Impairment is defined as a positive difference between unaffected and affected shoulder.
Time frame: Singleassessmentatenrollment(Day1)
Functional Status (ADL and IADL)
Scores on the Groningen Activity Restriction Scale (GARS) for ADL and a standardized IADL questionnaire. Higher scores indicate more restrictions.
Time frame: Singleassessmentatenrollment(Day1)
Vision-Related Quality of Life
Composite score from the Arabic Version of the National Eye Institute Visual Function Questionnaire (ARB-VFQ-25). Higher scores indicate better quality of life
Time frame: Singleassessmentatenrollment(Day1)
Reading Performance
Reading distance (in cm) and required magnification power (X) for near tasks.
Time frame: Singleassessmentatenrollment(Day1)
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