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Telemedicine for rotator cuff syndrome: Asynchronous exercise and remote follow-up in a randomized controlled study
Selkin Yilmaz Muluk1, Nazlı Olcucu1, Ozlem El2
1Antalya Ataturk State Hospital, Department of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation, Antalya, Turkey.
Plos One
|March 31, 2026
Summary
Telemedicine offers comparable pain relief and functional improvements for rotator cuff syndrome (RCS) rehabilitation compared to traditional methods. This approach also enhances exercise adherence and patient satisfaction while reducing travel burden.
Area of Science:
- Orthopedics
- Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation
- Digital Health
Background:
- Rotator cuff syndrome (RCS) is a prevalent musculoskeletal condition requiring effective rehabilitation strategies.
- Telemedicine, utilizing asynchronous exercise videos and remote follow-ups, presents a promising, accessible, and cost-effective alternative to conventional in-person care.
- Evaluating telemedicine's efficacy against traditional methods is crucial for optimizing RCS management.
Purpose of the Study:
- To compare the effectiveness of telemedicine-based rehabilitation versus conventional methods for patients with rotator cuff syndrome (RCS).
- To assess outcomes including pain reduction, functional improvement, exercise adherence, patient satisfaction, and travel burden.
Main Methods:
- A randomized controlled trial involving 90 patients with RCS, comparing a telemedicine group (TG) with a control group (CG) receiving traditional care.
- Primary outcomes measured were pain (Visual Analog Scale, VAS) and upper limb function (Quick Disabilities of Arm, Shoulder, and Hand, QuickDASH) at baseline, 15 days, and 6 months.
- Secondary outcomes included exercise adherence, satisfaction, and travel burden, analyzed using linear mixed-effects models.
Main Results:
- Both groups showed significant improvements in pain and function from baseline.
- No significant between-group differences were observed in pain reduction or functional improvement at 15 days or 6 months.
- The telemedicine group reported higher exercise adherence and satisfaction, with significant cost-effectiveness in terms of travel time and distance saved.
Conclusions:
- Telemedicine is a viable and effective alternative for managing rotator cuff syndrome (RCS), yielding comparable clinical outcomes to traditional rehabilitation.
- Telemedicine enhances patient adherence and satisfaction while substantially reducing the travel burden for patients.
- Further research is recommended to explore long-term outcomes and applicability across diverse patient populations.
