A patient with C6 AIS C SCI is a full-time manual wheelchair user who reports bilateral shoulder pain interfering with daily wheelchair-related activities. Which outcome measure would BEST capture this patient's shoulder pain during functional tasks?

A patient with C6 AIS C SCI is a full-time manual wheelchair user who reports bilateral shoulder pain interfering with daily wheelchair-related activities. Which outcome measure would BEST capture this patient's shoulder pain during functional tasks?

• A. Wheelchair User's Shoulder Pain Index (WUSPI)
• B. GRASSP
• C. CUE Functioning Instrument
• D. Handheld Dynamometry (HHD)

Answer: (A)

Measuring shoulder pain during functional tasks in a manual wheelchair user is best done with a tool designed specifically for this population. The Wheelchair User's Shoulder Pain Index asks about the level of shoulder pain experienced during common wheelchair-related activities (like propelling, transfers, and reaching) and provides a score that reflects how pain interferes with daily wheelchair use. This direct focus on pain during real functional tasks makes it the most appropriate way to capture the patient’s shoulder pain in everyday wheelchair activities. The GRASSP focuses on hand strength, sensation, and prehension, not pain during tasks. The CUE Functioning Instrument assesses functional performance but not specifically shoulder pain during wheelchair tasks. Handheld dynamometry measures strength rather than pain.

Measuring shoulder pain during functional tasks in a manual wheelchair user is best done with a tool designed specifically for this population. The Wheelchair User's Shoulder Pain Index asks about the level of shoulder pain experienced during common wheelchair-related activities (like propelling, transfers, and reaching) and provides a score that reflects how pain interferes with daily wheelchair use. This direct focus on pain during real functional tasks makes it the most appropriate way to capture the patient’s shoulder pain in everyday wheelchair activities.

The GRASSP focuses on hand strength, sensation, and prehension, not pain during tasks. The CUE Functioning Instrument assesses functional performance but not specifically shoulder pain during wheelchair tasks. Handheld dynamometry measures strength rather than pain.