Understanding Control and Mechanisms of Shoulder Instability in FSHD

Plain-language summary

The aim of this study is to identify factors for shoulder instability in people with Facioscapulohumeral dystrophy (FSHD). FSHD is a non-life limiting condition with symptoms presenting in the second decade of life (Evangelista et al., 2016). Between 2500 to 3000 people are diagnosed with FSHD in the UK and it is the third most common dystrophy. The overall prevalence is 1: 20,000 and on average 52 people are newly diagnosed with FSHD each year (Emery, 1991; Padberg et al., 1995; UK, 2020) As the disease progresses, patients lose the ability to adequately control muscles around the shoulder girdle, possibly contributing to the development of shoulder instability i.e. partial or complete dislocation of the shoulder joint (Bergsma, Cup, Geurts, \& De Groot, 2015; Bergsma, Cup, Janssen, Geurts, \& de Groot, 2017; Mul et al., 2016). Loss of control around the shoulder is also thought to contribute to pain and a reduced capacity to perform tasks above shoulder height. Additionally, the development of fatigue and chronic pain further limit patient's abilities and engagement with rehabilitation. If we better understand the mechanisms associated with instability, we can better target physiotherapy interventions to improve rehabilitation. If we identify specific patterns of activity associated with instability, these could be addressed through personalised and improved exercise prescription and rehabilitation. Additionally, we may identify causes of instability for which physiotherapy or exercise programmes may not be appropriate, therefore ensuring patients are referred to the correct service in a timely manner, improving patient outcomes and allocating resources more appropriately.

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