Article

OBJECTIVE: To describe the clinical changes following two different physiotherapy
treatment protocols after rotator cuff repair. DESIGN: A prospective, randomized
pilot study with a two-year follow-up. SUBJECTS: Five women and nine men, 55
(40-64) years old, were included. INTERVENTION:
The progressive group (n = 7)
started with dynamic, specific muscle activation of the rotator cuff the day
after surgery as well as passive range of motion. After four weeks of immobilization the loading to the rotator cuff increased and in a progressive
manner throughout the rehabilitation. In the traditional group (n = 7) the
rotator cuff was protected from loading. Patients were immobilized for six weeks
and started with passive range of motion the day after surgery. No specific
exercises to the rotator cuff were introduced during this period. MAIN MEASURES:
A clinical evaluation was made preoperatively, 3, 6, 12 and 24 months after
surgery. Pain rating during activity and at rest, patient satisfaction, active
range of motion and muscle strength, Constant score, hand in neck, hand in back
and pour out of a pot, as well as Functional Index of the Shoulder were used.
RESULTS: At two years follow-up, the progressive group and traditional group
scored pain during activity visual analogue scale (VAS) 2/0 mm and pain at rest
0/0 mm, respectively. The groups attained 170/175 degrees in active abduction in
standing and 70/90 degrees in passive external rotation while lying in supine.
Using Constant score, the groups attained 82/77 points respectively. CONCLUSION:
The present study showed that the progressive protocol produced no adverse
effects compared with the traditional protocol.

Langue : ANGLAIS