Effectiveness of Exercises With Electromyographic Biofeedback in Conservative Treatment of Massive Rotator Cuff Tears: A Randomized Controlled Study.

ABSTRACT

OBJECTIVE: The aim of the study is to investigate the effectiveness of a rehabilitation program with electromyographic biofeedback compared with the control group on patients with massive rotator cuff tear. DESIGN: Forty-six adults with massive rotator cuff tears, randomly assigned to 2 groups (23 electromyographic biofeedback group vs. 23 control group). The electromyographic biofeedback group (experimental group) performed the exercises under the guidance of electromyographic biofeedback, unlike the control group. All patients underwent a 45-minute training session a day, 3 times a week over a 6-wk duration, and followed up until 1-year. The outcome measures were American Shoulder and Elbow score, shoulder flexion strength, shoulder range of motion, Numeric Pain Rating Scale, and Global Rating of Change Scale. RESULTS: Compared with the control group, the electromyographic biofeedback group demonstrated a significant change in shoulder flexion strength and patient satisfaction from baseline to 6 wks (posttraining) and from baseline to 12-mo follow-up ( F = 4.671, P = 0.005). There were significant improvements in within groups statistics for American Shoulder and Elbow score, shoulder flexion strength, shoulder range of motion, and Numeric Pain Rating Scale in both groups ( P < 0.05). CONCLUSIONS: The results demonstrate that deltoid-focused structured rehabilitation program combined with electromyographic biofeedback can be used to increase shoulder flexion strength and patient satisfaction in conservative treatment of massive rotator cuff tear.