This observational case-control study will compare inspiratory muscle function and diaphragm morphology between individuals with shoulder pain and asymptomatic controls. Participants will be allocated into two groups according to the presence or absence of shoulder pain. Inspiratory muscle strength will be assessed by measuring maximal inspiratory pressure (MIP) using standardized procedures. Diaphragm thickness will be evaluated bilaterally using ultrasound imaging at the end of inspiration (Tins) and at the end of expiration (Texp). Pain intensity will be assessed using the Visual Analog Scale (VAS). Upper limb disability will be evaluated using the QuickDASH questionnaire, including the activities of daily living module and the optional sports module. All outcomes will be assessed in a single evaluation session. Between-group comparisons will be performed to analyze differences in inspiratory muscle strength, diaphragm thickness, pain intensity, and upper limb disability between participants with and without shoulder pain.
Study Type
OBSERVATIONAL
Enrollment
64
Universidad Francisco de Vitoria
Pozuelo de Alarcón, Madrid, Spain
Maximal Inspiratory Pressure (MIP)
Maximal inspiratory pressure measured in cmH₂O using a respiratory pressure meter as an indicator of inspiratory muscle strength.
Time frame: Single assessment at baseline visit
Diaphragm thickness at inspiration
Bilateral diaphragm muscle thickness measured by ultrasound imaging at the end of maximal inspiration (Tins)
Time frame: Single assessment at baseline visit
Diaphragm thickness at expiration
Bilateral diaphragm muscle thickness measured by ultrasound imaging at the end of maximal expiration (Texp).
Time frame: Single assessment at baseline visit
Pain intensity (VAS)
Shoulder pain intensity assessed using the Visual Analog Scale (VAS) ranging from 0 to 10, where 0 = no pain and 10 = worst imaginable pain; higher scores indicate worse pain
Time frame: Single assessment at baseline visit
Upper limb disability - activities of daily living
Upper limb disability in activities of daily living assessed using the Quick Disabilities of the Arm, Shoulder and Hand (QuickDASH-Core) questionnaire (11 items). Scores range from 0 to 100, where 0 = no disability and 100 = most severe disability; higher scores indicate worse disability.
Time frame: Single assessment at baseline visit
Upper limb disability - sport
Upper limb disability in sport activities assessed using the Quick Disabilities of the Arm, Shoulder and Hand Sport module (4 ítems). Scores range from 0 to 100, where 0 = no disability and 100 = most severe disability; higher scores indicate worse disability.
Time frame: Single assessment at baseline visit
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