[Rope pulley isokinetic system in shoulder rehabilitation--initial results]

Of this study was to evaluate the results of a shoulder rehabilitation program of different shoulder diseases, based on an isokinetie pulley system ("Moflex", Recotec/Bernina, Swiss).

In this prospective study 70 patients participated in a standardized rehabilitation program (instability: n = 19; rotator cuff disorders: n = 23; impingement syndrome without lesion: n = 16; others: n = 12; operative therapy: n = 47). The major aspect of the program was an isokinetic pulley system.

Isokinetic training with the used device affords strict monitor-feedback to avoid critical torque values. Strength which was attained without relevant pain was almost linearly increased by a mean of 31% until the 20th day of rehabilitation, workload by 79%. At the end of the rehabilitation program the strength of the affected (mostly dominant) shoulder was 15% higher than in the unaffected shoulder; the respective workload values were almost equal.

These first results demonstrate the value of the isokinetic pulley system in the rehabilitation of the investigated shoulder diseases. The equipment may be used already in an early postoperative state. First results of strength increases using an isokinetic pulley system in shoulder rehabilitation are presented.