Rehabilitation following rotator cuff repair: A work of the Commission Rehabilitation of the German Society of Shoulder and Elbow Surgery e. V. (DVSE) in collaboration with the German Association for Physiotherapy (ZVK) e. V., the Association Physical Therapy, Association for Physical Professions (VPT) e. V. and the Section Rehabilitation-Physical Therapy of the German Society for Orthopaedics and Trauma e. V. (DGOU)

The effect of video-assisted training on upper extremity problems and functions after rotator cuff repair: a randomized controlled trial

Background/aim

The shoulder is the most mobile joint in the body, and is frequently exposed to injuries. The applied surgical treatments, protection of the shoulder after surgery, care in the use of the shoulder in activities of daily living (ADLs) and gradual exercise programs are all vital to the recovery process. The present study investigates the effect of video-assisted training (VAT) on upper extremity complications and functions after rotator cuff repair (RCR).

Materials and method

Included in this prospective, parallel two-armed, randomized controlled study were an experimental group (n: 24) that received VAT detailing early postoperative care for RCR and instructions on performing ADLs, and that had access to a 90-day gradual exercise program, and a control group (n: 24) that received routine care. The primary outcomes were upper extremity problems and functions, as assessed by the Disabilities of the Arm, Shoulder and Hand (DASH) and modified Constant-Murley scores (MCM), while secondary outcomes were complications that had developed within the past three months. The outcomes were measured at baseline, after six weeks and at three months.

Results

After 3 months, a statistically significant difference was noted in the DASH-Work (p = 0.001) and MCM ADLs scores (p = 0.003) of the two groups, and significant changes in which the scale scores of both groups when compared to the initial measurement. Only one patient in the VAT group developed complications after RCR at one month; there were no significant differences in the complications of the two groups (p = 0.235).

Conclusion

VAT can increase function in RCR patients. Healthcare professionals, especially nurses, can use the VAT method to improve shoulder function in patients after RCR.

Early versus delayed mobilization for arthroscopic rotator cuff repair (small to large sized tear): a meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials

BACKGROUND

The timing to start passive or active range of motion (ROM) after arthroscopic rotator cuff repair remains unclear. This systematic review and meta-analysis evaluated early versus delayed passive and active ROM protocols following arthroscopic rotator cuff repair. The aim of this study is to systematically review the literature on the outcomes of early active/passive versus delayed active/passive postoperative arthroscopic rotator cuff repair rehabilitation protocols.

METHODS

A systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials (RCTs) published up to April 2022 comparing early motion (EM) versus delayed motion (DM) rehabilitation protocols after arthroscopic rotator cuff repair for partial and full-thickness tear was conducted. The primary outcome was range of motion (anterior flexion, external rotation, internal rotation, abduction) and the secondary outcomes were Constant-Murley score (CMS), Simple Shoulder Test Score (SST score) and Visual Analogue Scale (VAS).

RESULTS

Thirteen RCTs with 1,082 patients were included in this study (7 RCTs for early passive motion (EPM) vs. delayed passive motion (DPM) and 7 RCTs for early active motion (EAM) vs. delayed active motion (DAM). Anterior flexion (1.40, 95% confidence interval (CI), 0.55-2.25) and abduction (2.73, 95%CI, 0.74-4.71) were higher in the EPM group compared to DPM. Similarly, EAM showed superiority in anterior flexion (1.57, 95%CI, 0.62-2.52) and external rotation (1.59, 95%CI, 0.36-2.82), compared to DAM. There was no difference between EPM and DPM for external rotation, retear rate, CMS and SST scores. There was no difference between EAM and DAM for retear rate, abduction, CMS and VAS.

CONCLUSION

EAM and EPM were both associated with superior ROM compared to the DAM and DPM protocols. EAM and EPM were both safe and beneficial to improve ROM after arthroscopic surgery for the patients with small to large sized tears.

Statistical Fragility of Randomized Controlled Trials Evaluating Rehabilitation After Arthroscopic Rotator Cuff Repair

Background

Clinical decision-making often relies on evidence-based medicine, derived from objective data with conventional and rigorous statistical tests to evaluate significance. The literature surrounding rehabilitation after rotator cuff repair (RCR) is conflicting, with no defined standard of practice.

Purpose

To determine the fragility index (FI) and the fragility quotient (FQ) of randomized controlled trials (RCTs) evaluating rehabilitation protocols after RCR.

Study Design

Systematic review.

Methods

A systematic review was performed according to PRISMA (Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses) guidelines by searching the PubMed, Cochrane Library, and Embase databases for RCTs evaluating rehabilitation protocols after arthroscopic RCRs from 2000 to June 1, 2022. The FI was determined by manipulating the dichotomous outcome events from each article until a reversal of significance with 2 × 2 contingency tables was achieved. The FQ was determined by dividing the FI by the sample size.

Results

Fourteen RCTs with 48 dichotomous outcomes were ultimately included for analysis. The mean FI for the included dichotomous outcomes was 4 (interquartile range, 3-6), suggesting that the reversal of 4 events is required to change study significance. The mean FQ was 0.048. Of the RCTs that reported data regarding loss to follow-up, most studies (58.5%) indicated that >4 patients had been lost to follow-up.

Conclusion

The results of RCT studies of RCR rehabilitation protocols are moderately fragile, something clinicians should be aware of when implementing study results into practice. We recommend the inclusion of FI and FQ in addition to standard P values when reporting statistical results in future RCTs with dichotomous outcome variables on this topic.

Effects of Different Orthoses on Neuromuscular Activity of Superficial and Deep Shoulder Muscles during Activities of Daily Living and Physiotherapeutic Exercises in Healthy Participants

BACKGROUND

This study aimed to investigate the effects of different shoulder orthoses on the neuromuscular activity of superficial and deep shoulder muscles during activities of daily living (ADL) and physiotherapeutic exercises.

METHODS

Ten participants with healthy shoulders (31 ± 3 years, 23.1 ± 3.8 kg/m²) were randomized to receive a "shoulder sling", an "abduction pillow" and a "variably adjustable orthosis" on the dominant side. With each orthosis, they completed seven ADL with and four physiotherapeutic exercises without wearing the orthoses. An electromyographic system was used to record the neuromuscular activity of three superficial (trapezius, deltoid, pectoralis major) and two deep shoulder muscles (infraspinatus, supraspinatus) using surface and intramuscular fine-wire electrodes.

RESULTS

The neuromuscular activity differs between the orthoses during ADL (p ≤ 0.045), whereby the "variably adjustable orthosis" mostly showed the highest activation levels associated with the worst subjective wearing comfort rated on a visual analog scale. In addition, differences exist between the physiotherapeutic exercises (p ≤ 0.006) demonstrating the highest activations of the infra- and supraspinatus muscles for assistive elevation and wipe across a table, middle for pendulum and lowest for continuous passive motion exercises.

CONCLUSIONS

The neuromuscular activity of superficial and deep shoulder muscles differs between the orthoses during ADL and also between the physiotherapeutic exercises.

Management of Failed Rotator Cuff Repairs: A Review

Failed rotator cuff repairs present a complex issue for treating surgeons. Many methods of management exist for this pathology including revision repair with biologic augmentation, repairs with allograft, tendon transfers, superior capsular reconstruction, balloon arthroplasty, bursal acromial reconstruction, and reverse total shoulder arthroplasty. This review discusses the current literature associated with these management options.

Efficacy of radial extracorporeal shockwave therapy in rehabilitation following arthroscopic rotator cuff repair: A STROBE compliant study

Rotator cuff tear is a common cause of shoulder pain and disability. Arthroscopic rotator cuff repair (ARCR) is performed to treat a torn tendon. Postoperative joint immobilization is essential, but it is a problem that needs to be addressed in the rehabilitation process. This study aimed to evaluate the effects of radial extracorporeal shock wave therapy (rESWT) in patients who underwent ARCR and required active movement after the immobilization period. This study was an open-label, prospective, single-arm trial of 30 inpatients aged >18 years who underwent ARCR. A total of 6 rESWT sessions, along with the conventional rehabilitation program for ARCR patients, were provided at the hospital's sports rehabilitation center for 2 weeks. The application sites of rESWT are periscapular muscles (supraspinatus, infraspinatus, teres minor, and rhomboid). Evaluations were conducted 3 time points-baseline, immediately after the first session of rESWT, and after 2 weeks of intervention. The outcome measures were the numeric pain rating scale for pain, and shoulder flexion, scaption flexion, abduction, horizontal adduction, external rotation, and internal rotation for shoulder range of motion. For shoulder function, disabilities of the arm, shoulder and hand, shoulder pain and disability index, and simple shoulder test were used, and muscle strength was expressed by grip strength. supraspinatus and infraspinatus evaluated thickness, tone, and stiffness. The muscle strength (95% CI, -3.554 to -0.073) and supraspinatus tone (P = .017) showed significant changes immediately after the first session of rESWT. Further, there was significant improvement in ROM (P < .01); shoulder function (P < .01); and muscle strength (95% CI, -3.561 to -0.625), supraspinatus stiffness (95% CI, -67.455 to -26.345), and infraspinatus stiffness (P = .045) after 2 weeks of intervention. However, muscle thickness and tone were significantly improved only in supraspinatus (P = .044, P = .040). Rehabilitation with radial extracorporeal shock wave therapy additionally applied to the periscapular muscles in patients who started active movement in rehabilitation after arthroscopic rotator cuff repair is effective for shoulder function and muscle properties (muscle strength, thickness, tone, and stiffness). However, a randomized controlled trial is needed to further assess the effects of radial extracorporeal shock wave therapy alone.

[Treatment of subscapularis tendon lesions]

The further development of minimally invasive techniques in recent years, enables adequate intraoperative visualization, mobilization and stable reconstruction even of larger subscapularis tears resulting in good to excellent clinical and structural results. Chronic tears of the subscapularis tendon with high grade muscle atrophy and advanced fatty infiltration can be treated with a muscle tendon transfer (e.g. pectoralis major or latissimus dorsi transfer). If pseudoparalysis and/or signs of anterosuperior decentration of the humeral head or defect arthropathy are present, in most cases a reverse shoulder arthroplasty represents the only surgical option.

Postoperative Rehabilitation Protocol Following Arthroscopic Rotator Cuff Repair: A Prospective Single-Arm Pragmatic Interventional Study

Background and Objectives: Rotator cuff tear is the most common cause of shoulder pain. If nonsurgical treatment fails, arthroscopic rotator cuff repair (ARCR) is recommended. Since the standards for rehabilitation after ARCR are not clear, various rehabilitation methods have been suggested. This study intends to investigate the effect on the recovery phase of ARCR patients through a postoperative rehabilitation protocol (PRP) that considers the healing process and rehabilitation trend. Materials and Methods: This single-arm, pragmatic intervention study was conducted on 30 patients, two weeks postoperative day (POD) after ARCR. ARCR patients received intervention for six weeks from POD two-week, and pain intensity and shoulder function were evaluated at two-week intervals until POD 12-week, and range of motion (ROM) was evaluated at POD four-week and eight-week. Results: In this study, all variables improved over time (p < 0.05). As a result of the comparison between time points, a significant improvement was found in shoulder function at POD 6-week. In addition, the effect size had a large effect on ROM (flexion, scaption flexion, abduction, and external rotation) and shoulder function. Conclusions: Management through the PRP based on scientific evidence in the strategy of postoperative rehabilitation of patients with ARCR is effective for pain intensity, ROM, and shoulder function.

Maximizing Muscle Function in Cuff-Deficient Shoulders: A Rehabilitation Proposal for Reverse Arthroplasty

Purpose

The purpose of this review is to describe the role of altered joint biomechanics in reverse shoulder arthroplasty and to propose a rehabilitation protocol for a cuff-deficient glenohumeral joint based on the current evidence.Methods and Materials: The proposed rehabilitation incorporates the principles of pertinent muscle loading while considering risk factors and surgical complications.

Results

In light of altered function of shoulder muscles in reverse arthroplasty, scapular plane abduction should be more often utilized as it better activates deltoid, teres minor, upper trapezius, and serratus anterior. Given the absence of supraspinatus and infraspinatus and reduction of external rotation moment arm of the deltoid in reverse arthroplasty, significant recovery of external rotation may not occur, although an intact teres minor may assist external rotation in the elevated position.

Conclusion

Improving the efficiency of deltoid function before and after reverse shoulder arthroplasty is a key factor in the rehabilitation of the cuff deficient shoulders. Performing exercises in scapular plane and higher abduction angles activates deltoid and other important muscles more efficiently and optimizes surgical outcomes.

Center of pressure (COP) measurement in patients with confirmed successful outcomes following shoulder surgery show significant sensorimotor deficits

PURPOSE

To determine the sensorimotor and clinical function of patients with confirmed successful outcome after either undergoing acromioclavicular joint (ACJ) stabilization, Bankart repair (BR), or rotator cuff repair (RC), and to compare these measures to the contralateral, healthy side without history of previous injuries or surgeries of the upper extremity. It was hypothesized that patients of each interventional group would have inferior sensorimotor function of the shoulder joint compared to the contralateral, healthy side, while presenting with successful clinical and functional outcomes.

METHODS

Three intervention groups including ten patients who had confirmed successful clinical and functional outcomes after either undergoing ACJ stabilization, BR, or RC were evaluated postoperatively at an average follow-up of 31.7 ± 11.6 months. Additionally, a healthy control group (CG) of ten patients was included. Clinical outcomes were assessed using the Constant-Murley (CM) and American Shoulder and Elbow Surgeons (ASES) Score. Pain was evaluated using the visual analogue scale (VAS). Sensorimotor function was assessed by determining the center of pressure (COP) of the shoulder joint in a one-handed support task in supine position on a validated pressure plate.

RESULTS

Each interventional group demonstrated excellent clinical outcome scores including the CM Score (ACJ 83.3 ± 11.8; BR 89.0 ± 10.3; RC 81.4 ± 8.8), ASES Score (ACJ 95.5 ± 7.0; BR 92.5 ± 9.6; RC 96.5 ± 5.2), and VAS (ACJ 0.5 ± 0.9; BR 0.5 ± 0.8; RC 0.5 ± 0.8). Overall, the CG showed no significant side-to-side difference in COP, whereas the ACJ-group and the BR-group demonstrated significantly increased COP compared to the healthy side (ACJ 103 cm vs. 98 cm, p = 0.049; BR: 116 cm vs. 102 cm, p = 0.006). The RC-group revealed no significant side-to-side difference (120 cm vs. 108 cm, n.s.).

CONCLUSION

Centre of pressure measurement detected sensorimotor functional deficits following surgical treatment of the shoulder joint in patients with confirmed successful clinical and functional outcomes. This may indicate that specific postoperative training and rehabilitation protocols should be established for patients who underwent surgery of the upper extremity. These results underline that sensorimotor training should be an important component of postoperative rehabilitation and physiotherapeutic activities to improve postoperative function and joint control.

LEVEL OF EVIDENCE

IV.

Retear rates after rotator cuff surgery: a systematic review and meta-analysis

Background

Rotator cuff retear (RCR) is one of the main postoperative drawbacks. RCR can be considered a multifactorial issue, which causes are related either to biological than biomechanical factors. The aim of this study was to define the incidence of RCR after surgical treatment at different time points and to identify the main factors influencing the postoperative rotator cuff (RC) healing.

Methods

A systematic review and meta-analysis were performed following the PRISMA guidelines. A comprehensive search of the literature was carried out in July 2020, using PubMed and Cochrane Library databases. Only level 1 and 2 clinical evidence studies were included. Studies were included if patients with preoperative repairable full-thickness RC tears were treated surgically, and if studies reported postoperative RCR confirmed by imaging diagnostic. The association between timing of retear and follow-up time points were investigated using an inverse-variance method of pooling data. A subgroup meta-analysis was performed using the DerSimonian and Laird method for the estimation of the between-study variance, i.e., τ². The association between retear rate after surgery and patients’ age, preoperative tear size, fatty infiltration, postoperative rehabilitation protocol, surgical techniques, and RC repairs was determined by expressing the effect measure in terms of odds ratio (OR) with 95% confidence interval (CI). The Mantel-Haenszel method with 95% CIs was used.

Results

Thirty-one articles were included in this study. The percentage of RCR after surgery was 15% at 3 months follow-up, 21% at 3–6 months follow-up, 16% at 6–12 months follow-up, 21% at 12–24 months follow-up, 16% at follow-up longer than 24 months. The main factors influencing RC healing are both patient-related (i.e., age, larger tear size, fatty infiltration) and not patient-related (i.e., postoperative rehabilitation protocol, surgical techniques, and procedures).

Conclusions

Postoperative RC healing is influenced by patient-related and non-patient-related factors. Further high-level clinical studies are needed to provide highly relevant clinical results.

Supplementary Information

The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1186/s12891-021-04634-6.

Current concepts in the rehabilitation of rotator cuff related disorders

Rotator cuff related disorders (RCRD) are common. Exercise-based rehabilitation can improve outcomes, yet uncertainty exists regarding the characteristics of these exercises. This scoping review paper summarises the key characteristics of the exercise-based rehabilitation of rotator cuff related disorders (RCRD). An iterative search process was used to capture the breadth of current evidence and a narrative summary of the data was produced. 57 papers were included. Disagreement around terminology, diagnostic standards, and outcome measures limits the comparison of the data. Rehabilitation should utilise a biopsychosocial approach, be person-centred and foster self-efficacy. Biomedically framed beliefs can create barriers to rehabilitation. Pain drivers in RCRSD are unclear, as is the influence of pain during exercise on outcomes. Expectations and preferences around pain levels should be discussed to allow the co-creation of a programme that is tolerated and therefore engaged with. The optimal parameters of exercise-based rehabilitation remain unclear; however, programmes should be individualised and progressive, with a minimum duration of 12 weeks. Supervised or home-based exercises are equally effective. Following rotator cuff repair, rehabilitation should be milestone-driven and individualised; communication across the MDT is essential. For individuals with massive rotator cuff tears, the anterior deltoid programme is a useful starting point and should be supplemented by functional rehabilitation, exercises to optimise any remaining cuff and the rest of the kinetic chain. In conclusion, exercise-based rehabilitation improves outcomes for individuals with a range of RCRD. The optimal parameters of these exercises remain unclear. Variation exists across current physiotherapy practice and post-operative rehabilitation protocols, reflecting the wide-ranging spectrum of individuals presenting with RCRD. Clinicians should use their communication and rehabilitation expertise to plan an exercise-based program in conjunction with the individual with RCRSD, which is regularly reviewed and adjusted.

Rotator Cuff Retears

» Regardless of recent advances in rotator cuff repair techniques, the rate of unhealed or recurrent rotator cuff tears remains high, with most recurrent rotator cuff tears occurring within the first 6 months after surgery. » Factors that can negatively affect tendon healing include older age, greater tear size, tendon retraction, and fatty infiltration. However, several clinical features that are often underestimated, including osteoporosis, diabetes, smoking, and hyperlipidemia, have proven to have an important influence on rotator cuff healing. » Recent meta-analyses that evaluated studies with Level-I and Level-II evidence have shown an overall increase in retear rates after single-row repair compared with double-row repair. However, to our knowledge, there are no Level-I clinical studies comparing different double-row configurations and, to date, no double-row repair technique has proven to be superior to the others. » The influence of postoperative rotator cuff healing on clinical outcomes is controversial. Although clinical differences may not be apparent in the short term, healed tendons have had better functional outcomes and greater strength in the midterm. » In general, a period of immobilization for 2 to 4 weeks, depending on tear size, is recommended. Graded supervised rehabilitation has proven to facilitate tendon healing without associated stiffness compared with early unprotected range of motion.

Physical therapy and precision rehabilitation in shoulder rotator cuff disease

PURPOSE

To describe the main features of the rehabilitation protocols for RC disease based on the phases of tendon healing and to investigate about the use of wearable devices as monitoring systems.

METHODS

We performed a comprehensive search of PubMed, Medline, Cochrane, CINAHL, and EMBASE databases using various combination of the keywords "rotator cuff," "rotator cuff tear," "rehabilitation protocol," "accelerated," "conservative," "stiffness," "exercises," and "wearable devices." All articles concerning precision orthopaedic rehabilitation therapy in rotator cuff disease were retrieved.

RESULTS

To date, rehabilitation protocols are not comparable due to wide heterogeneity of RC diseases. Wearable technologies are becoming a revolutionary tool for movement and posture monitoring.

CONCLUSION

Rehabilitation protocols for RC disease should be tailored on the basis of the different phases of tendon healing. Wearable devices hold the promise to offer a new outlook for long-term follow-up during the postoperative period providing information to the clinician about patient's status.

Evaluating the Uptake and Acceptability of Standardized Postoperative Rehabilitation Guidelines Using an Online Knowledge Translation Approach

BACKGROUND

Providing physical therapists with evidence-based and consensus-derived guidelines to manage postoperative shoulder patients is essential; these guidelines should be readily available and provide clinically applicable information. Knowledge translation (KT) initiatives that encourage interaction between clinicians and researchers, that have multifaceted components and use a variety of strategies, can significantly change practice.

OBJECTIVE

The objective of this study was to determine the uptake and acceptability of standardized postoperative shoulder guidelines with an accompanying online KT resource through evaluation of website analytics and a quantitative survey.

DESIGN

A multi-pronged approach was used to assess uptake and acceptability of the guidelines and online KT resource.

METHODS

Website analytics of usage and geographical location of users was measured as were physical therapist survey responses.

RESULTS

Website analytics revealed that 5406 individuals used the online resource between October 2012 and September 2013 with the average visit lasting 8 minutes; only 47% of users were within the guideline developers' surgical referral region. Physical therapists who used the new shoulder guidelines were very satisfied or satisfied (96%) with the guidelines, reporting they promoted patient-specific clinical decision-making extremely or very well (68%). They viewed the online KT resource positively, with 79% rating it as "very useful" or "quite useful." Physical therapists from regions beyond those expected to use the new shoulder guidelines were also aware of the website and also rated it as very useful.

LIMITATIONS

The survey sample was relatively small and did not directly assess patient outcomes.

CONCLUSIONS

An online KT web resource developed in conjunction with standardized postoperative shoulder guidelines was perceived as useful based on website analytics and survey responses. Active KT strategies such as this can improve uptake and dissemination of best practice in physical therapy.

Associations between shoulder symptoms and concomitant pathology in patients with traumatic supraspinatus tears

Background

The association between concomitant pathologic characteristics and preoperative symptoms in patients identified as eligible for surgical rotator cuff repair has been sparsely evaluated. The purpose was to explore the associations between preoperative shoulder symptoms and additional structural pathology or injuries identified during surgery in patients with traumatic supraspinatus tears.

Methods

This was a cross-sectional study including patients with traumatic supraspinatus tears. Preoperatively, patients reported pain and disability using a numeric pain rating scale from 0 to 10 and the Western Ontario Rotator Cuff Index. During surgery, the presence of prespecified structural injuries and pathologies including a full-thickness or partial supraspinatus tear, infraspinatus tear, subscapularis tear, hooked acromion, acromioclavicular joint osteoarthritis, biceps tendon pathology, labral tear, and cartilage lesion was recorded. Linear regression and analysis of covariance were used to assess associations.

Results

A total of 87 patients (52 male patients, 60%) were included (mean age, 60 years; standard deviation, 9.2 years). Of these patients, 69 (79%) had a full-thickness supraspinatus tear and 18 (21%) had a partial-thickness tear. Concomitant structural pathology was found in 79 patients (91%). No association was found between the number of structural shoulder pathologies and preoperative numeric pain rating scale or Western Ontario Rotator Cuff Index score, and no particular concomitant pathology was associated with worse patient-reported symptoms.

Conclusion

Pathology of the infraspinatus and subscapularis and other structural joint pathologies concomitant with supraspinatus tears were not correlated with preoperative self-reported pain and disability in patients scheduled to undergo rotator cuff surgery, suggesting that concomitant pathology adds little to the symptoms in patients with a traumatic supraspinatus tear.

Post-Arthroscopic Rotator Cuff Repair Rehabilitation Booklet: A Patient-Based Evaluation

BACKGROUND

Lack of physical therapists has led to increment of self-managed rehabilitations in post-arthroscopic rotator cuff repair (ARCR) in the forms of booklets or leaflets.

PURPOSE

The aim of study is to investigate 1) the acceptance of post-ARCR patients towards an education booklet, and 2) whether it could be a timesaving and laborsaving tool to physical therapists.

METHODS

An education booklet was established through a systematic review. Patients who underwent ARCR in our hospital were included and randomly assigned to the intervention or control group (27 women, 21 men, mean age=57.06 years old). Patients in the intervention group received educational booklets, and an evaluation was also obtained after they finished reading. Patients' understanding of the booklet was determined by asking patients to re-enact training presented in the booklet. Then, a therapist blinded to allocations would personally demonstrate training to patients until patients fully understood the protocol. For the control group, the same therapist coached patients until the whole protocol was clearly understood. The coaching time for patients in both groups was recorded.

RESULTS

Out of 48 patients, 24 (50%) were randomly assigned to the intervention group, and 21 (87.50%) completed their questionnaire. Out of these 21 patients, 20 (95.24%) rated the booklet as "excellent and easy to read", and 17 (80.95%) felt that the booklet was helpful. The re-enaction accuracy was for strengthening training and specific training (71.43% and 61.90%, respectively). As compared to the control group, the time of coaching for the patients to fully master the protocol in the intervention group was significantly less (P<0.01).

CONCLUSION

Patients highly applauded this booklet, and they cherished the information and support it contained. Nevertheless, the re-enaction accuracy was not high, suggesting that the high level of acceptance does not guarantee full understanding of information sent to patients.

Rehabilitation Management of Rotator Cuff Injuries in the Master Athlete

Rotator cuff (RTC) injuries are common in master athletes, especially overhead athletes. Risk factors include aging and degeneration as nonmodifiable and volume of activity, muscle weakness, and loss of motion as modifiable. The clinical presentation involves limited range of motion (ROM), pain at rest and at night. Injury classification into traumatic versus nontraumatic and tendinopathy, partial or full-thickness tears helps to establish a treatment plan. RTC injury rehabilitation protocols are criteria-based, multimodal, and divided into four phases. The acute phase addresses pain, inflammation, ROM, and RTC protection. The recovery phase addresses kinetic chain abnormalities, flexibility, and strength, and the functional phase involves exercises directed toward specific sport activities. Return to sports is based on clinical recovery, kinetic chain principles, and adequate sports technique. Nonsurgical management is recommended in most cases, and surgical management is considered if symptoms progress, especially for full-thickness tears.