Dual-Task Training Improves Shoulder Function and is Associated with Changes in Sensorimotor Network Connectivity...

Area of Science:

• Orthopedics and Sports Medicine
• Neurorehabilitation
• Motor Control and Learning

Background:

• Postoperative recovery after arthroscopic rotator cuff repair (ARCR) involves multiple factors beyond tissue healing, including pain, proprioception, sensorimotor control, and psychological state.
• Cognitive-motor dual-task training shows potential for enhancing attentional allocation and motor control, but its specific benefits in ARCR rehabilitation are not well-established.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate the efficacy of adding cognitive-motor dual-task training to conventional rehabilitation for patients following ARCR.
• To evaluate the impact of this combined approach on shoulder function, pain, kinesiophobia, and sensorimotor network connectivity.

Main Methods:

• A randomized controlled trial involving 72 patients post-ARCR, divided into a control group and a dual-task group.
• The dual-task group performed serial subtraction-by-3 during motor training, in addition to conventional rehabilitation, for 12 weeks.
• Assessments included the Constant-Murley Score (CMS), β-band weighted Phase Lag Index Network-Based Statistic difference (β-ΔwPLINBS), Visual Analog Scale (VAS), Disabilities of the Arm, Shoulder and Hand (DASH), and Tampa Scale for Kinesiophobia-11 (TSK-11).

Main Results:

• The dual-task group demonstrated significantly greater improvements in CMS and reductions in β-ΔwPLINBS, VAS, and TSK-11 compared to the control group.
• Both groups showed improvements in Absolute Angular Error (AAE) and DASH over time, with no significant time × group interaction.

Conclusions:

• Integrating cognitive-motor dual-task training into conventional rehabilitation may enhance shoulder function and alleviate pain and kinesiophobia after ARCR.
• This training modality was associated with beneficial alterations in sensorimotor network connectivity.