Science explainers & myth-busting
How Researchers Measure Shoulder Outcomes: SPADI, DASH and What They Mean
4-minute read · Published November 12, 2026 · Updated November 12, 2026
What this is
An outcome is what a study measures to see whether something made a difference. In shoulder research, outcomes usually include pain, function (what you can do), range of movement, and sometimes how people feel overall.
Pain is hard to measure from the outside, so scored tools try to make results comparable.
Why it matters
A small score change may not matter in daily life, so context matters.
What the research says
- Many shoulder studies use 0 to 100 scales for pain and function. In one review of resisted exercise, the benefit averaged about 15 points. The authors said its clinical importance is uncertain [R01].
- Reviews of exercise for this kind of shoulder pain look at pain, function and range of motion together [R04].
What this means for you
SPADI stands for Shoulder Pain and Disability Index. It is a questionnaire about pain and how much the shoulder limits daily tasks. DASH stands for Disabilities of the Arm, Shoulder and Hand, and it covers the arm and hand as well. The exact questions and scoring differ between versions, so check the original tool or ask your clinician.
What you can do
- Keep a simple log. Note pain and one or two daily tasks each week, worded the same way each time.
- Track what you can do, not only how it hurts.
- Compare the same tasks over weeks. A trend across several weeks means more than one good or bad day.
- Ask which measure your clinician uses, and what change they would call meaningful for you.
- Use a seated version of any check. Reach can be tracked from a chair.
Where ShoulderBack Pro fits, and where it doesn't
This is a measurement topic, and a movement trainer isn't a measurement tool. A physiotherapist or doctor can use these questionnaires with you and explain the results. Gentle daily movement lives on the routines page.
For the myths that often come up alongside these measures, see the pillar 10 Shoulder Myths Debunked, and the posts on cracking your shoulder and hurt vs harm.
When to see a professional
See a doctor or physiotherapist promptly if you have: pain after a fall or injury with sudden weakness or loss of movement; a shoulder that looks deformed, very swollen or bruised; fever or feeling unwell alongside the pain; chest pain or breathlessness (call emergency services); constant pain that doesn't change with rest or activity; pain that wakes you most nights; numbness, tingling or weakness into the arm or hand; pain in several joints at once; or pain that hasn't improved after a couple of weeks of sensible self-care.
If your scores or daily tasks are getting worse, tell your clinician. Do not wait for the next scheduled visit.
Try this movement
SeeSaw (bilateral glide) →Frequently asked questions
Is a 15-point change on a score a big deal?
Not necessarily. In one review of resisted exercise, a change of about 15 points on a 0 to 100 scale was found, but its clinical importance was uncertain. Ask your clinician what a change means for you.
Can I work out my SPADI or DASH score myself?
Ask your clinician or check the original tool. Scoring details differ between versions, and a clinician can explain what your result means.
Do researchers measure range of motion as well?
Yes. Several exercise reviews include range of motion alongside pain and function measures.
Sources
- Naunton J et al. (2020). Effectiveness of progressive and resisted and non-progressive or non-resisted exercise in rotator cuff related shoulder pain: systematic review and meta-analysis of RCTs. Clinical Rehabilitation. https://search.pedro.org.au/search-results/record-detail/61404
- BMC Musculoskeletal Disorders (2026). Exercise interventions for rotator cuff-related shoulder pain in middle-aged and older adults: systematic review and meta-analysis. https://link.springer.com/10.1186/s12891-026-10035-4
