Ann Rehabil Med.  2016 Aug;40(4):710-717. 10.5535/arm.2016.40.4.710.

Proposal and Evaluation of a Telerehabilitation Platform Designed for Patients With Partial Rotator Cuff Tears: A Preliminary Study

• Macías-Hernández SI
• Vásquez-Sotelo DS
• Ferruzca-Navarro MV
• Badillo Sánchez SH
• Gutiérrez-Martínez J
• Núñez-Gaona MA
• Meneses HA
• Velez-Gutiérrez OB
• Tapia-Ferrusco I
• Soria-Bastida Mdl
• Coronado-Zarco R
• Morones-Alba JD

• KMID: 2356657
• DOI: http://doi.org/10.5535/arm.2016.40.4.710

Abstract

OBJECTIVE
To propose and evaluate the effectiveness of a telerehabilitation platform designed for patients with rotator cuff (RC) tears.
METHODS
During the first study phase, a virtual service platform that included information on RC tear pathology, joint care, and a series of instructions regarding therapeutic exercise was designed and created. Subsequently, in the clinical phase, a quasi-experimental study was performed. The platform was tested on patients and evaluated at baseline and at 1, 2, 3, and 6 months with respect to their pain levels and functionality on the Constant-Murley (CM) scale.
RESULTS
Eleven patients were included, 5 women and 6 men, with a median age of 55 years (range, 42-68 years). Pain diminished from a baseline value of 64 mm (range, 40-80 mm) to 16 mm (range, 0-30 mm) at 6 months (p<0.001). Points on the CM scale rose from a baseline value of 54 points (range, 51-66 points) to 85 points (range, 70-100 points) at 6 months (p=0.001). Functionality in daily living and work activities, movement, and strength exhibited significant changes at 6 months (p<0.05).
CONCLUSION
Significant changes were observed in pain and functionality in this group of participants who used a telerehabilitation platform. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first study that included a specific program for RC tears.

Keyword

Telemedicine; Rehabilitation; Rotator cuff; Shoulder; Remote consultation

MeSH Terms

Female
Humans
Joints
Male
Non-Randomized Controlled Trials as Topic
Pathology
Rehabilitation
Remote Consultation
Rotator Cuff*
Shoulder
Tears*
Telemedicine
Telerehabilitation*

Figure

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  Fig. 1 Conceptualization of the telerehabilitation model for patients of the National Institution of Rehabilitation.

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  Fig. 2 Components and access to the platform modules (as designed for patients; in Spanish).

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  Fig. 3 Information on the pathology, care, joint hygiene, and general information (as designed for patients; in Spanish).

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  Fig. 4 Personalized feedback to patients and corrections on exercise techniques (system in Spanish).

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  Fig. 5 Measurement of mobility in flexion and its progression over time according to the Constant-Murley scale (p<0.05).

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  Fig. 6 Measurement of mobility in abduction and its progression over time (p<0.05).

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