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Are Psychological Variables and Time Since Surgery Related to Rotator Cuff Strength and Functional Performance in
Preston C Casper1, Timothy Benedict1, Jamie Morris1
1Baylor University - Keller Army Community Hospital Division I Sports Physical Therapy Fellowship, United States Military Academy, West Point, New York.
Sports Health
|August 28, 2024
Summary
Time since surgery and psychological factors do not impact rotator cuff strength or functional performance after shoulder stabilization surgery. However, surgical outcomes differ between patients and healthy individuals, with dominant arm surgery causing greater motion deficits.
Area of Science:
- Orthopedics
- Sports Medicine
- Rehabilitation Science
Background:
- Traumatic shoulder instability is prevalent in military and general populations, with surgical stabilization improving outcomes.
- While time since surgery is a key factor for return to sport, the influence of psychological variables on recovery remains under-explored.
- Existing research highlights a gap in understanding the relationship between psychological factors, time post-surgery, and functional recovery.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the association between psychological factors, time since shoulder stabilization surgery, and rotator cuff strength/functional performance.
- To compare physical performance between post-surgical military cadets and healthy controls.
- To determine if dominant or non-dominant arm surgery leads to greater range of motion deficits.
Main Methods:
- A case-control study involving 52 military cadets (26 post-surgical, 26 healthy controls) was conducted.
- Participants were assessed 6-24 months after shoulder stabilization surgery.
- Outcome measures included patient-reported outcomes, range of motion, isometric strength, and functional performance tests.
Main Results:
- No significant correlation was found between time since surgery, psychological factors, and rotator cuff strength or functional performance.
- Significant differences were observed in patient-reported outcomes and range of motion between the surgical and control groups.
- Dominant-sided shoulder surgery resulted in greater active range of motion deficits compared to non-dominant-sided surgery, particularly in flexion and external rotation.
Conclusions:
- Time since surgery and psychological variables do not predict rotator cuff strength or functional performance post-stabilization.
- Post-surgical patients exhibit significant differences in self-reported outcomes and physical measures compared to healthy individuals.
- Dominant arm surgery leads to more pronounced range of motion deficits than non-dominant arm surgery.
