The Effects of Early Aquatic Therapy After Arthroscopic Repair of Rotator Cuff Tear

Abstract

PURPOSE: To determine the effects of early aquatic therapy after arthroscopic repair of rotator cuff tear on the restoration of the shoulder function. METHODS: Twenty patients after arthroscopic repair of rotator cuff tear were randomly divided into two rehabilitation treatment groups. One (n=10) was early aquatic therapy (AT) group, who performed the aquatic therapy protocols (4 weeks program) from 4th week after arthroscopic repair and then continued advanced range of motion (ROM) exercises with the strengthening exercises of shoulder. The other (n=10) was conventional rehabilitative therapy (CT) group, who performed passive ROM exercises of shoulder for 6 weeks after arthroscopic repair and then continued the same treatment as AT group. Shoulder ROMs for forward flexion and abduction, DASH (Disability of the Arm, Shoulder and Hand) scores were measured after 3 weeks, 3 months and 6 months after arthroscopic repair. In addition, isokinetic peak torques were obtained after 6 months. RESULTS: After 3 months, shoulder ROMs of forward flexion (Δ43.7±19.2 vs. Δ23.5±13.7, p<0.05) and abduction (Δ54.1±26.7 vs. Δ29.0±14.7, p<0.05) were significantly increased and DASH scores were significantly decreased (Δ23.9±7.1 vs. Δ7.2±7.3, p<0.05) in AT group compared with in CT group. After 6 months, isokinetic peak torques of shoulder abduction were also significantly increased (p<0.05) in AT group compared with in CT group. CONCLUSIONS: Early aquatic therapy provides more rapid and effective restoration of the shoulder function after arthroscopic repair of rotator cuff tear. It is assumed that early aquatic therapy provides early and natural mobilization of the shoulder joint under water.