Digitally assisted vs conventional home-based rehabilitation after rotator cuff repair: A meta-analysis

Rotator cuff tears are a chief cause of shoulder pain and disability, and surgical repair is often required when conservative management fails. As digital health technologies have expanded, especially since the coronavirus disease 2019 pandemic, digitally augmented rehabilitation programs emerged as a potential alternative to conventional physical therapy.

To determine if digitally assisted rehabilitation could be as practical, or even more effective, than the traditional methods most patients currently follow.

Six electronic databases, including PubMed, Scopus, Cochrane Library, Google Scholar, EMBASE, and Web of Science, were searched to find articles that compare digital-based rehabilitation and conventional treatment. Outcomes of interest were Disabilities of the Arm, Shoulder and Hand (DASH) score and range of motion. The quality assessment of the included studies was performed using the risk-of-bias tool for randomized trials tool.

Three randomized controlled trial studies were enrolled in this study, including 195 cases. We did not find any significant differences between the two groups in terms of DASH score, flexion range of motion, and external rotation range of motion. There was a significant difference between the two groups for abduction range of motion.

Digital home-based rehab seems to be a strong alternative to traditional methods, offering similar results for people recovering from rotator cuff surgery. This approach might also make rehab more accessible and engaging for patients. That said, further research is needed to fully understand the potential of digital rehabilitation and ensure it works effectively for everyone.