Assessment of the efficacy of early versus delayed mobility exercise after arthroscopic rotator cuff repair

Rotator cuff tears were a prevalent cause of shoulder pain and impairment, often necessitating arthroscopic rotator cuff repair. The optimal timing of postoperative mobilization initiation remains a subject of debate implicating patient outcomes. Therefore, this study aimed to evaluate the effectiveness of early and delayed mobilization after arthroscopic rotator cuff repair.

A total of 84 patients who underwent unilateral arthroscopic rotator cuff repair were included in the study and divided into early and delayed mobility exercise groups. Outcome measures included range of motion, shoulder strength, pain assessment, re-tear rates, return to work and pre-injury activity, as well as patient-reported outcomes at various postoperative time points.

Early mobility exercise after arthroscopic rotator cuff repair led to a significantly greater recovery of range of motion at six weeks postoperatively (P < 0.05) and shoulder strength at 12 weeks postoperatively (P < 0.05), as compared to the delayed mobility exercise group. However, the early mobility exercise resulted in non-significant excess in the pain assessment at the six-month postoperative mark (P > 0.05). Additionally, there were no statistically significant differences between the two groups in several outcome measures, including re-tear rates, return to work and pre-injury activity, and long-term patient-reported outcomes at one year post-operatively (P > 0.05).

Both early and delayed mobilization exercises safely improve range of motion, shoulder strength, and pain relief after arthroscopic rotator cuff repair. Early mobilization within six to 12 weeks post-surgery enhances range of motion and strength without increasing re-tear rates.

Not applicable.