Obesity and Rotator Cuff Tendonitis

There has been a rapid escalation in the percentage of obese population in the United States over the past 20 years. Obesity is known to cause some serious heath concerns like cardio-vascular disorders and cancer. A high body mass index has also found to be significantly correlated with increased incidence of shoulder pain and reduce range of motion at the shoulder. Rotator Cuff Tendonitis (RCT) is one of the most common ailments of the shoulder joint. The objective of the present study is to determine the correlation between Obesity and Rotator Cuff Tendonitis. The study consisted of 2 parts 1) Ex post facto analysis of 2004 data from the Medical Expenditure Panel Survey(MEPS) database to examine the relationship between Adult BMI and RCT and 2)Comparison of scapular kinematics between obese individuals and a non-obese controlgroup. Out the total RCT (n=910) cases reported in the MEPS database for the year 2004,65% of the cases were found in the people with BMI above 25 (n=593). Using the Chi-square test the correlation between BMI and RCT was found to be statistically significant.Data for orientation of the scapula and humerus was collected using an electromagnetic motion capture system during three separate activities: raising and lowering their arm without a weight; raising and lowering the arm with a three pound dumbbell; and reaching behind their neck. The results from the separate 2 way ANOVA showed significant differences between groups for UR of scapula for both raising and lowering phases in all 3 activities. Between group differences were significant for scapula tipping for raising and lowering the arm without anyweight and reaching behind the back. These findings suggest that an overweight/obese individual is more likely to suffer from RCT.Therefore, the prevention and treatment protocols for rotator cuff tendonitis in overweight/obese population should include an adequate weight loss program.Ergonomic modifications aimed at decreasing muscular stresses across the shoulder should also be incorporated for overweight individuals to prevent / treat RCT.