Novel brace with long-duration neuromuscular electrical stimulation in patients with full-thickness rotator cuff tears: A randomized controlled trial.

Abstract

ObjectiveTo evaluate the efficacy of exercise with a long-duration neuromuscular electrical stimulation brace compared to exercise alone in patients with full-thickness rotator cuff tears.DesignA prospective randomized controlled trial.SettingResearch laboratory.ParticipantsPatients with full-thickness rotator cuff tears were randomized into the experimental (n = 21) or exercise-only group (n = 21).InterventionBoth groups completed exercises daily for 6 weeks, with the experimental group receiving neuromuscular electrical stimulation during exercises.Main measuresFunction, pain, strength, and scapular biomechanics (arm raising and lowering).ResultsThe principal outcome showed no differences between groups in function, pain, or strength at 3 and 6 weeks. However, the experimental group exhibited significantly less posterior tilt (6.3 ± 2.9°, p = 0.006) at week 3 and reduced upper trapezius (6.0%-19.0%, p = 0.017) and serratus anterior (15.3%-20.4%, p = 0.009-0.016) activation at weeks 3 and 6. The within-group comparison showed pain (1.8 ± 0.4, p < 0.001) and strength (6.5-9.4%, p < 0.007) improved in the experimental group by week 3, while the exercise-only group showed strength gains (3.4-10.1%, p < 0.01) from weeks 3 to 6. Both groups demonstrated decreased upward rotation (2.1° ± 0.8°, p = 0.042), whereas the experimental group showed decreased muscle activation (2.0-10.5%, p < 0.03) after training.ConclusionsDespite a 6-week exercise program with long-duration neuromuscular electrical stimulation, no significant group differences were observed in function, pain, or strength at 3 or 6 weeks. However, secondary analyses indicated reduced scapular compensation and early pain and strength improvements in the experimental group.