Motions and functional performance after supervised physical therapy program versus home-based program after...

Area of Science:

• Orthopedics
• Sports Medicine
• Rehabilitation Science

Background:

• Arthroscopic anterior shoulder stabilization is a common procedure for shoulder instability.
• Post-operative rehabilitation is crucial for optimal recovery of shoulder range of motion (ROM) and function.
• The effectiveness of different rehabilitation models, supervised versus home-based, requires investigation.

Purpose of the Study:

• To compare the efficacy of a standardized supervised physical therapy program against a controlled home-based program.
• To evaluate the impact on shoulder range of motion and functional recovery following arthroscopic anterior shoulder stabilization.

Main Methods:

• Twenty-seven patients (18-35 years) undergoing arthroscopic anterior shoulder stabilization were randomized into two groups.
• A supervised group (n=14) received 3 weekly sessions for 24 weeks.
• A home-based group (n=13) followed a similar program at home for the same duration.
• Shoulder ROM and function were assessed at multiple points throughout the 24-week rehabilitation period.

Main Results:

• Both supervised and home-based programs led to significant, progressive improvements in all shoulder motion parameters.
• The supervised group achieved 92.6% abduction and 94.2% forward elevation, while the home-based group achieved 87.1% abduction and 94.7% forward elevation.
• External rotation ROM was 81.1% for the supervised group and 76.4% for the home-based group.
• Both groups demonstrated significant functional improvements, with no statistically significant differences between the groups in any measured variable.

Conclusions:

• A controlled home-based physical therapy program demonstrates comparable effectiveness to a supervised program.
• Home-based rehabilitation is a viable and effective option for enhancing shoulder range of motion and function post-arthroscopic anterior shoulder stabilization.
• This finding supports the potential for accessible and cost-effective rehabilitation strategies.