[The relationship between quality of life and functional status measurements in shoulder impingement syndrome].

Objectives: We compared three questionnaires that are used in the assessment of function and quality of life of patients with shoulder impingement syndrome.

Methods: The study included 54 patients (42 females, 12 males; mean age 54 years) with a diagnosis of stage I or II shoulder impingement syndrome. All the patients were administered a standard questionnaire regarding their general health status (Short-Form 36 / SF-36). Functional evaluations were made using the UCLA (University of California at Los Angeles) and Constant scoring systems. The results of the UCLA and Constant scores were compared with those of SF-36 with the use of Pearson correlation analysis.

Results: A strong correlation was found between the UCLA and Constant scores (p=0.006). SF-36 parameters of physical function, vitality, and social function showed a strong correlation with the UCLA scores (p<0.005), whereas parameters of general health and role emotional exhibited a moderate correlation (p<0.05). When compared with the Constant scores, SF-36 showed a strong correlation only in parameters of pain and general health (p<0.005). The parameter of role emotional was negatively correlated with the Constant scores.

Conclusion: Demonstration of correlations between some parameters of SF-36 and the UCLA and Constant scoring systems suggests that SF-36 can be used to assess quality of life of patients with shoulder impingement syndrome.