Effect of Microcurrent Stimulation on Pain, Shoulder Function, and Grip Strength in Early Post-Operative Phase after Rotator Cuff Repair

Abstract

Background and Objectives: The purpose of this study was to investigate the effects of microcurrent stimulation on pain, shoulder function, and grip strength in patients with rotator cuff repair. Materials and Methods: This randomized single-blind controlled trial was conducted on inpatients of the rehabilitation department, and included 28 patients who underwent rotator cuff repair. Participants were randomly assigned to the experimental group (n = 14), treated with microcurrent stimulation, and the control group (n = 14), treated with false microcurrent stimulation. The microcurrent stimulation administered to the experimental group underwent general physical therapy and microcurrent stimulation three times a week for 4 weeks. Results: Changes in pain, range of motion in shoulder, simple shoulder test, and grip strength were assessed before and after the intervention. Both groups showed a significant decrease in pain and shoulder function (t = 27.412, 22.079, 19.079, and 18.561; p < 0.001), and grip strength showed a significant increase (t = −8.251 and −9.946; p < 0.001). The experimental group that underwent microcurrent stimulation exhibited a significant effect on pain, shoulder function, and grip strength compared with the control group that underwent false microcurrent stimulation (t = −2.17, −2.22, and 2.213; p = 0.039, 0.035, and 0.036). Conclusions: This study confirmed that microcurrent stimulation is effective for the treatment of rotator cuff repair patients.

Functional recovery prediction during rehabilitation after rotator cuff tears by decision support system

“…The assessment measures were the following: (1) Patients’ sociodemographic characteristics and information related to RC pathology, rehabilitation measures, medicines and exercise intensity at home were recorded from the patient’s medical history. (2) Pain syndrome—intensity, severity, and nature of pain were evaluated by VAS scale [ 18 , 26 ] and McGill pain questionnaire [ 16 , 25 ]. (3) Shoulder motor function was evaluated using manual muscle strength testing (MMT) [ 13 , 15 , 16 ], shoulder active ROM [ 14 , 20 , 27 ], and dexterity of movements by Box&Block test [ 36 ].…”

“…This consideration is vital due to the reduced motor function of the shoulder, arm and hand and increased disability observed as consequences of the long-term effect of pain, immobility and muscle stiffness, shoulder instability and limitation of daily life activities [ 22 , 33 ]. Many researchers assert a direct relationship between the patient’s psycho-emotional state, expectations, the presence of anxiety and the results of rehabilitation [ 18 , 34 ]. Sleep disorders are commonly observed in patients after RC repair, there is an increase in the quality of sleep with a parallel improvement in shoulder functions.…”

“…Consistent improvements in sleep quality are noted within the 6 months after RC repair and are significantly related to physical recovery and decreased anxiety [ 34 ]. Age is one of the dominant factors in RC tear and recovery mechanisms [ 18 , 29 ]. Generally, RC tears are more prevalent in the elderly than in younger patients, being chronic or acute and chronic and usually secondary to tendon degeneration.…”

Effects of microcurrent therapy in promoting function and pain management of knee osteoarthritis: a systematic review and meta-analysis protocol

“…21 22 Several pieces of research have reported the beneficial effects of MCT, including pain relief, function improvement, wound healing and less irritation. [23][24][25][26][27] When integrated with traditional treatment, MCT has been shown to provide better outcomes than traditional treatment alone. 28 A recent clinical trial demonstrated the painreducing effect of MCT in knee OA.…”

“…In vitro experiments have shown MCT accelerates the recovery of injured skeletal muscles 21 22. Several pieces of research have reported the beneficial effects of MCT, including pain relief, function improvement, wound healing and less irritation 23–27. When integrated with traditional treatment, MCT has been shown to provide better outcomes than traditional treatment alone 28.…”