Shoulder joint rotational range of motion characteristics among the elderly

[Purpose] We characterized the range of rotational motion around the three most used positions in elderly adults and developed an objective index for shoulder joint evaluation. [Participants and Methods] We investigated the range of rotational motion in the first, second, third, and transitional positions in 60 healthy young adults (60 shoulders) and 30 elderly adults (30 shoulders). We also examined changes in rotational range with variations in limb position. [Results] In older adults, the internal rotation range of motion was significantly lower at 30° abduction, 60° abduction, second position, 30° horizontal flexion, and third position. External rotational range of motion in elderly adults was also significantly lower in the first, second, 30° horizontal flexion, 60° horizontal flexion, third, 60° flexion, and 30° flexion positions. [Conclusion] The findings of this study provide objective measures of changes in rotational range of motion associated with different limb positions that may serve as an index for understanding age-related changes in shoulder mobility over time.