Which patient characteristic increases the likelihood of shoulder pain after a stroke?

The characteristic that increases the likelihood of shoulder pain after a stroke is age above 70 years. Older adults, especially those over this age threshold, often experience changes in muscle strength, joint stability, and overall physical resilience, which can contribute to shoulder pain following a stroke. As individuals age, they may also have a higher incidence of comorbidities, decreased mobility, and more significant challenges in rehabilitation, all of which can exacerbate discomfort and pain in the shoulder region post-stroke.

While joint hypermobility, high physical fitness, and previous shoulder injuries may play roles in shoulder health, their relationships with the likelihood of experiencing shoulder pain after a stroke are less direct or less significant compared to the effects of aging. Older patients may have less muscle mass, weakened rotator cuff muscles, and other age-related degenerative changes that can lead to a higher prevalence of shoulder pain in the post-stroke population.