Active Shoulder Range of Motion in Persons Aged 60 Years and Older

Abstract

The purpose of this study was to present active shoulder range of motion (ROM) measurements obtained from healthy personsaged 60 years and older. One hundred two volunteers participated this study. The right shoulder of these subjects was examined for active shoulder flexion, abduction, internal and external rotation. Measurements were recorded from a full round plastic goniometer. Results showed that the mean active shoulder ROM was significantly different (p < .0001) than the known American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons' standard for this age group. From the sixth through ninth decade ROM decreased linearly, statistically significant for abduction and external rotation by some decades. Additionally, women had statistically significant greater ROM than men for flexion, abduction and internal rotation. From a clinical perspective it is apparent that individuals sixty years of age and older have less active shoulder ROM than the known standard. These findings should prove useful to clinicians when evaluating and rehabilitating patients with shoulder dysfunctions.