Effects of shoulder pain on functionality and quality of life in cases with hemiplegic upper extremity

This study aims to investigate functionality and quality of life effects of shoulder pain on patients who have suffered a stroke. Participants of the study were patients being treated at İstanbul Median Medical Centre between June 2017 and May 2018. 84 hemiplegic participants had an average age of 59,9±11,19 and an average BMI of 28,76±6,07. There were 38 women, 46 men patients. Goniometric measurements were used to measure the range of motion and Modified Ashworth Scale of Muscle Spasticity was used to determine spasticity severity. Nottingham Health Profile was used to evaluate daily activities and Stroke-Specific Quality of Life Scale was used to evaluate quality of life. Pain levels were evaluated using The McGill-Melzack Pain Questionnaire and upper extremity functionality was evaluated with Upper Extremity Functional Index. Windows based SPSS21 was used for statistical analysis and a significance level of p<0,05 was accepted. A statistically significant correlation was observed between pain severity section of The McGill-Melzack Pain Questionnaire and Stroke-Specific Quality of Life Scale. A significant correlation was observed between pain severity and Stroke-Specific Quality of Life Scale's personality, self-care and social roles sections. Another significant correlation was found between pain severity and spasticity. A lower quality of life was observed in participants with an increased severity of shoulder pain. No significant correlation was observed between Nottingham Health Profile and Upper Extremity Functional Index (p>0,05). Results of our study shows that shoulder pain in hemiplegic upper extremities affects quality of life. We conclude that in cases of hemiplegic upper extremities, attention should be paid to shoulder pain and addition of approaches in daily activities to the rehabilition programs would be beneficial. Key Words: Hemiplegia, Shoulder Pain, Quality of Life, Functionality, Upper Extremity.