Association of Rotator Cuff Injuries with Upper Limb Dysfunction in Security Guards

Abstract

Background: Rotator cuff injuries are a leading cause of upper extremity dysfunction, particularly in populations with occupational strain, such as security guards. These injuries are associated with pain, restricted range of motion, and diminished functional independence. Objective: To investigate the association between previous rotator cuff injuries and upper limb dysfunction among security guards. Methodology: An analytical cross-sectional study was conducted among 138 male security guards aged 45 to 60 years with a documented history of rotator cuff injury. A non-probability convenience sampling technique was used to recruit participants. Participants were excluded if they had a history of fractures, active infections, neurological disorders affecting cognition, or recent overhead shoulder trauma. The Disabilities of the Arm, Shoulder, and Hand scale and the Western Ontario Rotator Cuff Index were used to assess upper limb disability and shoulder-related quality of life. Clinical assessment of rotator cuff integrity was performed using the Lift-Off and the Empty Can tests. Descriptive statistics were used to present categorical variables as frequencies and percentages. The Mann–Whitney U test and Kruskal–Wallis test were used to evaluate differences in functional outcomes, while the Chi-square test was applied to determine the association between rotator cuff injury and shoulder disability among security guards. A p-value of less than 0.05 was considered statistically significant. Results: A significant proportion of participants exhibited upper extremity dysfunction, with 66.7% and 61.6% testing positive on the Lift-Off and Empty Can tests, respectively. Pain and reduced range of motion, particularly in abduction and flexion, were strongly associated with diminished occupational performance. Participants with positive test results had higher symptom severity and lower functional scores. Participants showed the symptom score by Disabilities of the Arm, Shoulder, and Hand scale, Western Ontario Rotator Cuff Index, and Sports performance across both tests showed significant results (p>0.05), whereas Sports performance didn’t show significant results (p>0.05). Conclusion: Rotator cuff injuries substantially impact shoulder function and occupational performance in security guards. Rotator cuff injuries are a leading cause of upper limb dysfunction, particularly in high-risk occupational groups like security guards. Almost half of the population of security guards suffered from rotator cuff injury.