Summary

What it measures:

The University of Pennsylvania Shoulder Score is a self-report questionnaire that consists of 3 subscales assessing pain, patient satisfaction with shoulder function, and shoulder function itself. The subscales can be used individually or collectively. The measure can be used as an outcome measure in clinical practice or research, or to aid clinicians in making decisions regarding patient care. (1,5)

Target Population:

This measure is targeted for patients with a variety of shoulder disorders. Studies assessing or using this outcome measure have included individuals with the following conditions: impingement, tendinitis, rotator cuff syndrome, rotator cuff tear, adhesive capsulitis, proximal humeral fracture, acromioclavicular joint arthritis, and glenohumeral joint arthritis, instability/dislocation, hemiarthroplasty, shoulder weakness, status: postsurgery. (1-4)

Used as an outcome measure in the following 2 clinical trials and systematic review:

1. McClure PW, Bialker J, Neff N, et al. Shoulder function and 3-dimensional kinematics in people with shoulder impingement syndrome before and after a 6-week exercise program. Phys Ther. 2004:84(9):832–848.

2. Roddey TS, Olson SL, Gartsman GM, et al. A randomized controlled trial comparing 2 instructional approaches to home exercise instruction following arthroscopic full-thickness rotator cuff repair surgery. J Orthop Sports Phys Ther. 2002;32(11):548–559.

3. Harrington S, Michener LA, Kendig T, et al. Patient-reported upper extremity outcome measures used in breast cancer survivors: a systematic review. Arch Phys Med Rehabil. 2014;95(1):153–162.