Effectiveness of video-based rehabilitation program on pain, functionality, and quality of life in the treatment of rotator cuff tears: A randomized controlled trial

Abstract

BackgroundVideo-based rehabilitation programs, which are also used in the treatment of neurological disorders, could be a beneficial treatment option for patients who cannot receive treatment. PurposeTo determine the efficacy of video-based rehabilitation program in the conservative treatment of partial rotator cuff tears in comparison to a physiotherapist-supervised rehabilitation program. Study DesignA randomized controlled clinical trial. MethodsThirty-three voluntary patients with partial rotator cuff tear were randomized into two groups: video-based rehabilitation (VBR) group and physiotherapist-supervised rehabilitation (PSR) group, for a common 6 weeks rehabilitation program. After drop outs, thirty participants (mean ± SD age, 50.60 ± 8.54 years; 10 female) were finally completed the trial. Active shoulder range of motion, pain, functional status, and health-related quality of life of the patients were assessed before and after treatment. Also, treatment satisfaction level was assessed at the end of the treatment. ResultsThere was statistically significant improvement in terms of active shoulder range of motion values (mean differences at 95% confidence interval for abduction: 30.75-51.37 in the VBR group, 34.20-54.45 in the PSR group, P = .001 in both groups) and secondary outcome measures within both groups (P < .05). However, there were no statistically significant differences in terms of all outcome measures between groups (P > .05). The level of satisfaction from treatment in the PSR group was higher than that in the VBR group. ConclusionA video-based rehabilitation program is an effective option in terms of shoulder range of motion, pain, functionality, and quality of life and has a comparable success level with a PSR program in the conservative treatment of partial rotator cuff tears.