Shoulder Musculoskeletal Disorder Rehabilitation Using a Robotic Device Based on Electromyography (EMG) Biofeedback:...

Area of Science:

• Orthopedics
• Physical Therapy
• Rehabilitation Engineering

Background:

• Shoulder injuries are common musculoskeletal disorders (MSDs) lacking standardized physical therapy management.
• A novel robotic-assisted device with EMG biofeedback was developed for shoulder MSDs.
• This technology aims to provide standardized yet personalized rehabilitation programs.

Purpose of the Study:

• To evaluate the efficacy of an 8-week robotic-assisted rehabilitation program with EMG biofeedback (RA-EMG).
• To compare the RA-EMG program against a conventional rehabilitation program (CONV) for shoulder MSDs.
• To assess improvements in shoulder flexion strength and range of motion (ROM).

Main Methods:

• Retrospective cohort study (2010-2013) involving patients with shoulder MSDs.
• Two groups: conventional (CONV, n=44) using dumbbells and robotic-assisted with EMG biofeedback (RA-EMG, n=73).
• Both programs involved 3 sessions/week for 8 weeks, with two sets of 20 repetitions at 60% maximal capacity.

Main Results:

• The RA-EMG group showed significantly greater improvements in shoulder flexion strength (4.45 kg vs. 2.3 kg) and normalized strength (77.5% vs. 39.1%) compared to the CONV group.
• A trend towards greater absolute gain in ROM was observed in the RA-EMG group (10.0 degrees vs. 5.5 degrees).
• Normalized ROM also showed significantly greater benefit in the RA-EMG group (7.4% vs. 4.6%) compared to the CONV group.

Conclusions:

• An 8-week tailored rehabilitation program using a robotic-assisted device with EMG feedback significantly enhances shoulder flexion strength.
• This approach demonstrates a trend towards improved range of motion compared to conventional rehabilitation for shoulder MSDs.
• Further randomized controlled trials are recommended to explore the potential for abduction and external rotation improvements.