Effectiveness Study of Postoperative Rotator Cuff Repair Rehabilitation

Prospective Randomized Trial of Rotator Cuff Repair Postoperative Rehabilitation: Jackins' Exercises Versus Pulleys

There are very few level 1 or level 2 evidence studies that examine postoperative rehabilitation of rotator cuff repair and shoulder arthroplasty. A systematic review of level 1 or level 2 evidence studies was performed (Baumgarten et al., Sports Health, 2009) that found only four studies that examined rotator cuff repair rehabilitation. The current study was performed to determine if there is a significant difference in passive glenohumeral joint range of motion, active glenohumeral joint range of motion, scapular substitution, and subjects measured outcome scores (clinimetrics) in patients who undergo rotator cuff repair when treated postoperatively with pulley exercises compared to Jackins' exercises. Null Hypothesis: There will be no significant difference in passive range of motion, active range of motion, scapular substitution, and subject measured outcomes scores in subjects who undergo rotator cuff repair when treated with pulley exercises compared to Jackins' exercises.

Scapulothoracic substitution for forward elevation is seen clinically when patients have shoulder pain. The patient uses the trapezius musculature to superiorly elevate the upper extremity instead of using the deltoid and the rotator cuff for upper extremity elevation. Scapulothoracic substitution does not occur in healthy shoulders. Excessive scapular movement can be due to an attempt to substitute for poorly functioning shoulder musculature or tightness of the capsular structures of the glenohumeral joint. Pulleys have been used in postoperative shoulder rehabilitation to improve passive as well as active range of motion and develop strength. Jackins described a series of exercises that are used to improve active range of motion and develop strength without the use of pulleys. The use of pulleys in the post-operative care for patients who have had shoulder surgery is thought to contribute to excessive scapular motion. To date, there has not been any study that compares the use of pulleys and Jackins' exercises with respect to active range of motion, scapulothoracic substitution, and objective patient outcomes measures. Due to the lack of level 1 or 2 evidence postoperative rehabilitation studies, a prospective randomized study should be performed on patients that have underwent rotator cuff repair.

Jackin's exercises were initially designed for patients with difficulty performing forward elevation. The patient initially is positioned supine to perform shoulder flexion. When the patient can actively elevate in the supine position, one to two pounds of weight is placed in the patients hand and the patient is asked to repeat the maneuver of supine active elevation. When the patient can do this with little difficulty, the head of the bed is elevated approximately 20 degrees from the supine position and the sequence is repeated. Once the patient is able to perform flexion in this elevated head position, the inclination of the patient is increased in 20 degree increments until the patient is able to perform upright sitting shoulder flexion.

Pulleys have been used in postoperative shoulder rehabilitation to improve passive as well as active range of motion and develop strength.

Jackin's exercises were initially designed for patients with difficulty performing forward elevation. The patient initially is positioned supine to perform shoulder flexion. When the patient can actively elevate in the supine position, one to two pounds of weight is placed in the patients hand and the patient is asked to repeat the maneuver of supine active elevation. When the patient can do this with little difficulty, the head of the bed is elevated approximately 20 degrees from the supine position and the sequence is repeated. Once the patient is able to perform flexion in this elevated head position, the inclination of the patient is increased in 20 degree increments until the patient is able to perform upright sitting shoulder flexion.

Pulleys have been used in postoperative shoulder rehabilitation to improve passive as well as active range of motion and develop strength.

The WORC(ref 6) is a valid,reliable, and responsive patient-reported outcomes measures that assesses response to treatment for rotator cuff disease. A minimally important clinical difference (MCID) has been determined. Its use has been recommended in clinical trials.

A novel technique for measuring scapular substitution has been developed by the investigators of this study (Baumgarten et al. Int J Sports Phys Ther. 2012; 7: 39-48).

The Simple Shoulder Test9 is a self-reported patient outcome score that has been specifically validated to examine post-operative rotator cuff repair outcomes.

The ASES Shoulder Score (ref 12) is a self-reported patient outcome score that has been specifically validated to examine rotator cuff disease outcomes. Minimal clinically important differences and the minimal detectable change have been determined.

The Marx Shoulder Activity Score2 is a validated, patient self-reported outcome score that determines activity level. This is a supplement to outcome scores that measure pain and function.

The SANE rating (ref 15) is a simple patient self-reported outcome score that asks the patient to rate their shoulder as a percentage of normal (range 0 to 100%).

Inclusion Criteria: Patients undergoing post-operative rehabilitation for a rotator cuff repair Exclusion Criteria: Patients who do not have permission from their treating surgeon to enroll in this study. Patients who have undergone a previous rotator cuff repair on the non-operated side. Patients who have undergone a previous rotator cuff repair on the ipsilateral shoulder. Patients who have a history of adhesive capsulitis. Patients who are unwilling to participate in all aspects of the study. Patients who are cognitively impaired. Patients with known axillary or suprascapular neuropathy. Patients with a painful or dysfunctional contralateral shoulder.

Baumgarten KM, Osborn R, Schweinle WE Jr, Zens MJ, Helsper EA. Are Pulley Exercises Initiated 6 Weeks After Rotator Cuff Repair a Safe and Effective Rehabilitative Treatment? A Randomized Controlled Trial. Am J Sports Med. 2016 Jul;44(7):1844-51. doi: 10.1177/0363546516640763. Epub 2016 Apr 26.