Abstract
Objective: Clinical symptoms due to periarthritis of the shoulder (also known as frozen shoulder) during activities of daily living (ADL) and instrumental activities of daily living (IADL) can differ based on sex. We used patient medical records to study these differences.
Methods: We analyzed 45 patients (17 males, 28 females) who were diagnosed with unilateral periarthritis of the shoulder and underwent physical therapy. Their background information was collected at the start of physical therapy along with test results for physical function, diagnostic imaging, and the Shoulder36 (Sh36) questionnaire.
Results: Significant differences were observed in the extent of nocturnal pain, abduction of the affected shoulder, grip strength, humeral head diameter, and glenohumeral angle between male and female patients. Regarding the Sh36, female patients had a significantly lower outcome in 17 out of 36 items. In the Sh36 domain, female patients had significantly lower outcomes in 5 items except for sense of health.
Conclusion: Our findings suggest sex differences in the effects of periarthritis of the shoulder on daily life. Clinicians should consider patients’ sex when evaluating ADL/IADL restrictions caused by frozen shoulder.
