Abstract
BACKGROUND The aim of this study was to assess the clinical effectiveness of scapula training exercises on shoulder function after surgery for rotator cuff injury. MATERIAL AND METHODS Forty-six patients with rotator cuff injury after surgery were randomized into the experiment group or control group. Both groups were treated with conventional therapeutic exercise and physical therapy, and scapular training exercise was added to the experiment group. Patient status was evaluated by Constant-Murley scale (CMS), visual analogue scale (VAS), and the active range of motion (ROM) of the shoulder before and after 6 weeks and 12 weeks of treatment. RESULTS After 6 weeks and 12 weeks of treatment, all evaluations of the 2 groups were significantly improved as compared with those before treatment (P0.05). After 12 weeks of treatment, all items in the experimental group were significantly improved compared to the control group (P<0.05). CONCLUSIONS The combination of conventional rehabilitation interventions and scapular training exercise were an effective treatment of the shoulder dysfunction. Moreover, increased Scapula training exercise had better effect on the improvement of shoulder function.