PREVALENCE OF SHOULDER PAIN AMONG LONG-TERM MANUAL WHEELCHAIR USERS: A CROSS-SECTIONAL STUDY

Background: Shoulder pain is a common musculoskeletal problem among manual wheelchair users because the upper limbs are repeatedly used for propulsion, transfers, pressure relief, and daily mobility. Continuous loading of the shoulder joint may lead to pain, disability, and reduced independence over time. In local rehabilitation settings, limited evidence is available regarding the burden of shoulder pain among long-term manual wheelchair users, making this issue important for clinical screening and preventive care. Objective: To determine the prevalence of shoulder pain among long-term manual wheelchair users and to assess its association with the duration of wheelchair use. Methods: An observational cross-sectional study was conducted among 159 manual wheelchair users recruited from Mayo Hospital, Ghurki Hospital, Sheikh Zayed Hospital, and Services Hospital, Lahore. Participants were selected through a non-probability convenience sampling technique. Male and female participants aged 20–40 years who had used a manual wheelchair as their primary means of mobility for at least one year were included. Shoulder pain and disability were assessed using the Shoulder Pain and Disability Index. Data were analyzed using SPSS version 29.0. Frequencies and percentages were calculated for categorical variables, while mean and standard deviation were used for continuous variables. Chi-square test was applied to determine the association between duration of wheelchair use and shoulder pain severity, with p < 0.05 considered statistically significant. Results: The mean age of participants was 30.0 ± 5.5 years. Among 159 participants, 85 (53.5%) were male and 74 (46.5%) were female. Shoulder pain was reported by 132 (83.0%) participants, while 27 (17.0%) had no shoulder pain. Mild pain was reported by 40 (25.2%) participants, moderate pain by 60 (37.7%), and severe pain by 32 (20.1%). A statistically significant association was found between duration of wheelchair use and shoulder pain severity (χ² = 26.06, p = 0.002). Conclusion: Shoulder pain was highly prevalent among long-term manual wheelchair users and was significantly associated with duration of wheelchair use. Routine screening, early rehabilitation, ergonomic wheelchair training, and preventive shoulder care may help reduce pain and preserve functional independence. Keywords: Cross-Sectional Studies; Disabled Persons; Musculoskeletal Pain; Prevalence; Rehabilitation; Shoulder Pain; Wheelchairs.