Affiliations: [a] Ribeirão Preto Medical School, University of São Paulo, Ribeirão Preto, Brazil
| [b] Post Graduation Program in Rehabilitation and Functional Performance, Ribeirão Preto Medical School, University of São Paulo, Ribeirão Preto, Brazil
| [c] Department of Health Sciences, Ribeirão Preto Medical School, University of São Paulo, Ribeirão Preto, Brazil
Correspondence:
[*]
Address for correspondence: Flávia Pessoni Faleiros Macêdo, Post Graduation Program in Rehabilitation and Functional Performance, Ribeirão Preto Medical School, University of São Paulo, Bandeirantes Av 3900, Ribeirão Preto, SP 14049-900, Brazil. E-mail: flavia.macedo@alumni.usp.br; https://orcid.org/0000-0002-4130-6853.
Note: [1] ORCID: 0000-0003-3777-3720.
Note: [2] ORCID: 0000-0002-4130-6853.
Note: [3] ORCID: 0000-0001-9110-2317.
Abstract: BACKGROUND:Work-related shoulder disorders adversely affect the quality of life and lead to increased costs related to decreased productivity and injury treatment. Therefore, understanding the relationship between strength, upper extremity function and work ability contributes to the development of interventions aimed to improve the well-being of healthcare workers. OBJECTIVE:
Correlate shoulder abduction and handgrip strength with upper extremity function and work ability in healthcare workers with shoulder complaints. METHODS:
67 workers with shoulder pain in the last year were assessed by Disability of Arm, Shoulder and Hand (QuickDASH), Work Ability Index (WAI), isokinetic shoulder strength and isometric handgrip strength dynamometers. Data were analysed with Spearman’s Correlation Coefficient (ρ= 0.05), SPSS 20.0®. RESULTS:
52% males, mean age 48.4 years, 42% physically active, most administrative and general services workers. Low correlation between handgrip strength and QuickDASH (r=-0.359; p = 0.004); low correlation between handgrip strength and WAI (r = 0.359; p = 0.003) and between shoulder abduction strength and the QuickDASH (r = -0.267; p = 0.049); no significant correlation between shoulder abduction strength and WAI (r = 0.001; p = 0.997). CONCLUSIONS:
Handgrip and shoulder abduction strength were inversely associated with upper extremity dysfunction. Shoulder abduction strength was associated with work ability. The inclusion of strength assessment in workers is important to guide strategies to prevent musculoskeletal disorders.
