A randomized controlled trial comparing 2 instructional approaches to home exercise instruction following arthroscopic full-thickness rotator cuff repair surgery

Toni S. Roddey*, Sharon L. Olson, Gary M. Gartsman, William P. Hanten, Karon F. Cook

*Corresponding author for this work

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

69 Scopus citations

Abstract

Study Design: A prospective unblinded randomized clinical trial. Objectives: To compare the effectiveness of 2 types of home program instruction, videotape versus personal instruction by a physical therapist, on subjective outcomes and exercise compliance following arthroscopic repair of a full-thickness rotator cuff tear. Background: Advances in orthopedic surgery and rehabilitation have placed increased emphasis on home exercise programs. Therefore, assessing the effectiveness of different methods of home program instruction is important. Methods and Measures: Patients who consented to undergo surgical repair were randomly assigned to either a videotape or personal instruction group. A self-reported compliance log categorized subjects as fully compliant, partially compliant, or noncompliant. The Shoulder Pain and Disability Index and the University of Pennsylvania Shoulder Scale scores were obtained from subjects preoperatively and at 12, 24, and 52 weeks postoperatively. The null hypotheses that neither group would have better outcomes as measured by 2 shoulder outcome scales at any level of compliance over 4 levels of time, were assessed by 2 separate 2×3×4 multiple analyses of variances (MANOVAs), 1 for each outcome measure (α = 0.025). Results: Neither MANOVA was significant and the null hypotheses were not rejected. The main effect of time (number of weeks postsurgery) was significant across all time intervals for both outcome measures (P<0.0005). Conclusions: With a therapist available for questions, patients who utilized the videotape method for their home program instruction had self-reported outcomes equal to patients instructed in their home program personally by a physical therapist. Self-reported compliance with the rehabilitation program had little effect on the outcomes.

Original languageEnglish (US)
Pages (from-to)548-559
Number of pages12
JournalJournal of Orthopaedic and Sports Physical Therapy
Volume32
Issue number11
DOIs
StatePublished - Nov 1 2002

Keywords

  • Physical therapy
  • Shoulder rehabilitation
  • Shoulder surgery
  • Videotape

ASJC Scopus subject areas

  • Physical Therapy, Sports Therapy and Rehabilitation

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