Frequency and Intensity of Shoulder Pain in Patients after Stroke

Abstract

Background: Stroke can occur due to blockage or blood vessels’ hemorrhage which supply blood to brain. Post-stroke shoulder pain (PSSP) is very common after stroke. It is present even during resting condition and affects active and passive movements of shoulder girdle. This pain limits the ROM of shoulder joint and hinders recovery. 

Objective: The objective of this research was to determine the frequency and intensity of shoulder pain in post-stroke patients. This study also focused on activity limitations and sleep impairment in these patients.

Methods: 134 patients were included in this cross sectional research.  Outcomes were measured by using VAS, SPADI (Shoulder Pain and Disability Index) and likert type sleep quality scale. Results were analyzed in the form of percentages. A p-value less than 0.05 was taken significant.

Results: Total frequency was found to be 60.9%. In the sample of 134 participants, 44.7% had moderate and 28.5%had severe intensity of pain measured on VAS. SPADI score for pain and disability showed mean value of 26.96±7.082 and 45.45±15.485 respectively. 47(35.07%) patients showed disturbed sleep pattern.

Conclusion: More than half of stroke patients had pain in their shoulder joint, most of which had moderate to severe intensity of pain. This pain impairs daily life activities and also results in sleep impairment in approximately half of patients with post stroke shoulder pain

Keywords: Shoulder Pain and Disability Index, VAS, Post Stroke Shoulder Pain, Hemiplegic Shoulder Pain, Pain Intensity, Stroke