JMIR Publications

ABSTRACT

Background:

The recovery of scapular and gleno-humeral physiological kinematic parameters, as well as sensorimotor control of movement, plays a primary role in the rehabilitation after arthroscopic rotator cuff repair. A highly customized rehabilitation approach is required to achieve this aim. Biofeedback can be a useful tool but there is poor evidence of its use in the rehabilitation after arthroscopic rotator cuff tear repair.

Objective:

This article describes an exercise-based program (ISEO-Program) for the recovery of scapular kinematics of patients arthroscopically treated for rotator cuff tear.

Methods:

The program integrates a conventional rehabilitation program with the use of the ISEO (INAIL Shoulder and Elbow Outpatient protocol), a motion analysis system based on inertial wearable sensors positioned over the thorax, scapula, humerus and forearm. ISEO can return a visual biofeedback of humerus angles over time or of the scapula-humeral coordination, with the possible overlap of patient-specific or asymptomatic subjects’ reference values. Results and

Results:

A set of 12 progressive exercises were defined, divided in four groups based on humerus and scapula movements, each comprising from two to four drills of increasing complexity. Exercises can require the use of ball, stick, rubber band and towels. For each drill, the neuromotor goal and type of visual biofeedback is specified.

Conclusions:

The paper outlines an innovative rehabilitation program to restore scapular and humeral kinematics after rotator cuff repair, based on kinematic biofeedback. Biofeedback is expected to increase patient awareness and self-correction under a therapist supervision. An RCT is needed to investigate the potential effect of the program, in comparison with conventional rehabilitation programs.