Analysis of the influence of rotator cuff impingements on upper limb kinematics in an elderly population during activities of daily living.

Background: Despite a high prevalence of rotator cuff impingements or tears in the elderly population, little research has focused on how this injured population adapts to perform tasks of daily living. The current study investigated the influence of rotator cuff impingements in this population on kinematics and shoulder loading differences, while completing activities of daily living.

Methods: Upper limb and trunk movement was measured for thirteen asymptomatic elderly and ten elderly subjects with rotator cuff impingements during five range of motion tasks and six activities of daily living.