Is synchronous telerehabilitation effective in the treatment of rotator cuff tears? - a randomized controlled trial

Zirek E., AKBABA Y., GÜVEN M. F.

PHYSIOTHERAPY THEORY AND PRACTICE, cilt.41, sa.12, ss.2501-2512, 2025 (SCI-Expanded, Scopus) identifier identifier identifier

  • Yayın Türü: Makale / Tam Makale
  • Cilt numarası: 41 Sayı: 12
  • Basım Tarihi: 2025
  • Doi Numarası: 10.1080/09593985.2025.2526021
  • Dergi Adı: PHYSIOTHERAPY THEORY AND PRACTICE
  • Derginin Tarandığı İndeksler: Science Citation Index Expanded (SCI-EXPANDED), Scopus, BIOSIS, CINAHL, MEDLINE
  • Sayfa Sayıları: ss.2501-2512
  • İstanbul Üniversitesi Adresli: Evet

Özet

Background Shoulder pain is one of the most common musculoskeletal complaints, increasing with age and affecting many functions. Purpose To compare the effects of synchronized telerehabilitation and face-to-face rehabilitation approaches in terms of pain, function, and muscle activation in patients with partial rotator-cuff (RC) tears. Methods 44 patients with partial RC tear were randomly separated into two groups (Group-1:Telerehabilitation; Group-2: Face-to-face rehabilitation). Pain levels were assessed using a Visual Analogue Scale (VAS), shoulder function using the Disabilities of the Arm, Shoulder, and Hand (DASH) scale, muscle activation levels using a superficial electromyogram (sEMG), and satisfaction levels using the Global Rating of Change (GRC) and the Telehealth Satisfaction Scale (TSS). Results The mean ages of the groups were 55.55 years (+/- 7.01) and 57.00 years (+/- 8.12), respectively. The VAS-rest score at Week 4 and the VAS-activity score at Weeks 4 and 8 showed a significant difference in favor of Group 2 (p < .001; p < .001; p = .01, respectively). Significant improvements were seen in DASH (p < .001,ES=.85; p < .001, ES = .89) scores and sEMG activation of the infraspinatus (p < .001, ES = .69; p < .001, ES = 81), upper trapezius (p < .001, ES = .28; p < .001, ES = .33, respectively), anterior deltoid(p < .001,ES=.92; p < .001, ES = .94), middle deltoid(p < .001, ES = .66; p < .001, ES = .68), and posterior deltoid (p = .002, ES = .92; p < .001, ES = .93) muscles, in both groups. No significant differences were found in GRC scores. Conclusion Face-to-face rehabilitation is more effective at relieving pain. Synchronized telerehabilitation is a feasible way to improve shoulder function, muscle activation, and patient satisfaction.Clinical Trial URL/Registration Number: https://clinicaltrials.gov/NCT05904249ConclusionFace-to-face rehabilitation is more effective at relieving pain. Synchronized telerehabilitation is a feasible way to improve shoulder function, muscle activation, and patient satisfaction.Clinical Trial URL/Registration Number: https://clinicaltrials.gov/NCT05904249