Correlation between Thoracic Kyphosis and Shoulder Joint Position Sense among Health Care Workers

Abstract

Background: Healthcare workers especially those dealing with the patient and involved in physical demanding, intense and repetitive  tasks in their practice are more predisposed to work-related musculoskeletal disorders (WMSDs). These WMSDs lead to prolonged  postural abnormality and pain, which negatively affect productivity and quality of life.

Objectives: This study aimed to identify the correlation between thoracic kyphosis and shoulder joint position sense among healthcare  workers.

Patients and methods: A cross-sectional observational study include forty-five participants of both gender with thoracic kyphosis  detected by screening measurements at the start. Their ages ranged from 30-49 years old and their thoracic kyphotic angle (TKA) ranged  according to age into 2 groups: (Group A) their ages ranged from 30 to 39 years old and (group B) their ages ranged from 40 to 49 years  old. All subjects were right-handed. A bubble inclinometer is used to measure both TKA and joint position sense (JPS) of dominant arm  among healthcare workers.

Results: There was a moderate correlation between thoracic kyphosis angle and shoulder flexion and  abduction joint position error (JPE) at r = 0.469 & p = 0.001 and r = 0.462 & p = 0.001 respectively.

Conclusion: Thoracic kyphosis directly  affects shoulder joint proprioception. Therefore, dorsal spine assessment should be considered during evaluation of shoulder joint and  vice versa. So better control of the symptoms and better plan of treatment for preventing the potential disabling condition.