Shoulder joint position sense is not enhanced at end range in an unconstrained task

Shoulder joint position sense (JPS) is important for maintaining stability and contributing to coordinated movements. It is provided by afferent and centrally-derived signals interpreted and integrated by the central nervous system (CNS) for subsequent use. Shoulder JPS is enhanced as the joint approaches end range of motion (ROM) in studies involving internal and external rotation with the arm supported, but this finding has not been confirmed in unconstrained movements. To address this issue, the present study examined the effect of shoulder position in the horizontal plane on JPS at a constant elevation. Twenty-three healthy individuals were recruited from a university campus. Subjects attempted to actively replicate various target positions in both plane and elevation. Target positions consisted of five positions in the horizontal plane, normalized to individual horizontal abduction ROM, at 90° of arm elevation. All target positions were tested three times, and average absolute and variable errors were analyzed for each position. No differences in either absolute (p = .312) or variable (p = .185) errors were observed between positions. These results further support the contention that the muscle spindles are a dominant source of afferent feedback regarding shoulder JPS in unconstrained movements, even approaching end ROM, when the capsuloligamentous receptors are active.