Do Overhead Sports Increase Risk for Rotator Cuff Tears in Wheelchair Users?

Overhead-sports activities have been identified as an additional risk factor, along with age and duration of wheelchair dependence, for developing rotator cuff disease in patients with paraplegia. A high frequency of sports activity shows physiological benefits as well as improves the psychological status and quality of life in patients with SCI. The dilemma is how to increase physical activity to gain physiological and psychological health benefits without further increasing overuse of the upper extremities, particularly the shoulder, in patients with paraplegia. The data from this study may be helpful in elucidating the etiology of rotator cuff tear in athletes with paraplegia and in counseling patients with SCI regarding shoulder and upper extremity activity level and provide support for developing preventive strategies.