What are the functions of the mechanoreceptors in the shoulder joint? A literature review

Abstract

Nontraumatic glenohumeral instability is the most common shoulder pathology among young people causing pain and "impingement syndrome
symptoms". This instability usually affects athletes who perform overhand
activities such as throwing and swimming. The glenohumeral stability is usually provided by rotator cuff musculature and capsule-ligament structures (glenoid labrum, glenohumeral ligaments and capsule). In order to control the synergistic relationship between muscles and capsuloligamentous structures, the somatosensory system located in the
glenohumeral joint plays an essential function. These mechanoreceptors,
Pacini, Ruffini and Golgi tendon organs are functionally distributed in the
shoulder joints, and they have a complex relationship with the shoulder's musculature. According to the latencies obtained between stimuli in shoulder joints and muscular responses, suggests the consideration that mechanoreceptors not only contribute to detection of movement direction and joint position sense, but are also implicated in the control of movements and coordination. Rehabilitation programs for altered movement patterns using proprioceptive techniques appear to be justifiable. Also, to enhance proprioceptive techniques, more attention should be focused on shoulder exercises that use sequences and coordination in their execution.