Motions and functional performance after supervised physical therapy program versus home-based program after arthroscopic anterior shoulder stabilization: a randomized clinical trial.

OBJECTIVE

To compare the effects of a standardized supervised physical therapy versus a controlled home-based programs on the rate of shoulder motion and functional recovery after arthroscopic anterior shoulder stabilization.

METHODS

Twenty-seven patients (18-35years) underwent arthroscopic anterior shoulder stabilization. Patients were randomized into two groups. A supervised group (n=14) received a rehabilitation program, 3 sessions/week for 24 weeks and a controlled home treated group (n=13) who followed a home-based program for same period. Range of motion (ROM) of the shoulder was assessed 4 times after each phase of rehabilitation and function was assessed after the 3rd and 4th phase of rehabilitation.

RESULTS

Both groups achieved a significant progressive increase in all shoulder motions throughout the study period. Patients in the supervised group achieved 92.6% and 94.2% of the contralateral side in abduction and forward elevation respectively. The controlled home-based group achieved 87.1% and 94.7% of abduction and forward elevation respectively. For external rotation, the percentage ROM achieved was 81.1% for the supervised group and 76.4% for the controlled home-based group. For function assessment, the two groups showed a significant improvement. However, the two groups were not significantly different from each other in all measured variables.

CONCLUSION

A controlled home-based physical therapy program is as effective as a supervised program in increasing shoulder range of motion and function after arthroscopic anterior shoulder stabilization.