A randomized controlled trial: Mobile app vs videoconference telerehabilitation for rotator cuff tendinopathy

IntroductionThe aim of this study was to compare the effectiveness of two methods of telerehabilitation (TR) delivery: mobile health TR (mHealth-TR) and video conference TR (VC-TR) in improving outcomes for patients with RC tendinopathy.MethodsEighty-five participants diagnosed with RC tendinopathy were randomized into synchronous (VC-TR) and asynchronous (mHealth-TR) groups. Both groups received an identical 8-week exercise programme delivered through their assigned platform. The programme included scapular mobilization, range-of-motion, strengthening, and stretching exercises. The primary outcomes were pain level (Visual Analogue Scale [VAS]), disability (Disabilities of the Arm, Shoulder and Hand [DASH] score), quality of life (Short Form-36 Health Survey [SF-36] score), and shoulder mobility (universal goniometer). The assessments were carried out at baseline, after the treatment (week 8) and at a follow-up of 16 weeks.ResultsThe mean participant age was 51.8 years (SD 9.24), with 27% (n = 23) male. No significant between-group differences were observed for pain (VAS) or shoulder mobility (P > .05 for both). However, a significant group-by-time interaction effect was found for disability, measured by the DASH score (F(1,83) = 10.56, P = .001), and quality of life, measured by the SF-36 overall score (excluding physical role functioning, emotional role functioning, and social function) (Vitality/Energy: F(1,83) = 7.34, P = .006; Pain: F(1,83) = 4.78, P = .034; General Health: F(1,83) = 4.82, P = .032). Post-hoc analysis indicated significant improvements in disability and quality of life scores in the synchronous VC-TR group compared to the asynchronous mHealth-TR group. Specifically, DASH scores in the synchronous group decreased by 9.41 points (95% CI: 3.46 to 15.36, P = .002) from baseline to after treatment, and by 9.34 points (95% CI: 3.48 to 15.20, P = .002) by the 16th week. For quality of life, the VC-TR group showed significant improvements in the Vitality/Energy, Pain, and General Health domains from baseline to follow-up, with mean differences of 6.41, 11.68, and 10.83, respectively (all P < .05).DiscussionThis study suggests that patients with RC tendinopathy may experience greater improvements in pain management, disability, and overall quality of life through synchronous VC-TR compared to asynchronous mHealth-TR.