The effect of exercise types for rotator cuff repair patients on activities of shoulder muscles and upper limb disability

Abstract

[Purpose] This study investigated the effect on activities, shoulder muscle fatigue, upper limb disability of two exercise types performed by patients in the post- immobilization period of rotator cuff repair. [Subjects and Methods] The intervention program was performed by 20 patients from 6 weeks after rotator cuff repair. Ten subjects each were randomly allocated to a group performing open kinetic chain exercise and a group preforming closed kinetic chain exercise. Muscle activity and median frequency were measured by using sEMG and the Upper Extremity Function Assessment before and after conducting the intervention and changes in the results were compared. [Results] There was a significant within group increases in the activities of the shoulder muscles, except for the posterior deltoid. The median power frequencies (MFD) of the supraspinatus, infraspinatus and anterior deltoid significantly increased in the open kinetic chain exercise group, but that of the posterior deltoid decreased. There were significant differences in the changes in the upper limb disability scores of the two groups, in the shoulder muscle activities, except for that of the posterior deltoid, in the comparison of the change in the muscle activities of the two groups, and in the MDFs of all shoulder muscles. [Conclusion] The Median power frequencies of all these muscles after closed kinetic chain exercise increased indicating that muscle fatigue decreased. Therefore, research into exercise programs using closed kinetic chain exercises will be needed to establish exercise methods for reducing muscle fatigue.

The proposal of an adapted pre-exercise screening tool for the recruitment of the elderly in research with resistance training

“…The difference in muscle strength between a healthy shoulder and an injured shoulder in patients with rotator cuff tendinopathy probably results in a difficulty to apply the correct technique during moderate-high intensity resistance exercises that requires flexion and extension of the shoulder [30]. In turn, rotator cuff rupture produces changes in kinematic function, accompanied by shoulder pain and atrophy of the surrounding musculature [31]. Initial treatment may not always be surgical, depending on the activity level and tear size [32].…”

Effect of axial shoulder external rotation exercise in side-lying using visual feedback on shoulder external rotators

“…Ha et al 1 ) previously reported positive effects of the SWE in a selective strengthening exercise program for the infraspinatus muscle. Kang et al 2 ) reported that the infraspinatus muscle activity increased significantly but that posterior deltoid muscle activity did not after subjects performed an intervention involving shoulder external rotation in a standing position with the shoulder at 90° flexion. Lim et al 10 ) investigated the activities of two muscles with and without visual feedback using EMG signal input to the computer monitor, and reported that the ratio of the infraspinatus to posterior deltoid activity was greater with visual feedback than without it.…”

“…During shoulder movements, the rotator cuff (RC) provides stability for glenohumeral joint and functions as an approximation force to resist dislocation or subluxation of humerus 1 , 2 ) . When the RC is injured, the range of shoulder motion is limited and prone to instabilty during movements.…”

Effects of local vibration stimulation on muscle recovery and hypertrophy

“…Post-training muscle damage is thought to be associated with decreased performance and an increased risk of injury, and effective management of this condition is essential for rehabilitation, health promotion, and improved performance in athletic competition. In particular, for the upper extremities, muscle fatigue affects the ability to perform movements, suggesting the need for recovery from muscle fatigue in performing upper extremity tasks in patients with rotator cuff injury 2 ) . Therefore, it is important to provide appropriate post-training muscle recovery and strengthening to the upper extremities.…”