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

Abstract

Objective

To 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.

Design

A prospective randomized controlled trial.

Setting

Research laboratory.

Participants

Patients with full-thickness rotator cuff tears were randomized into the experimental (n = 21) or exercise-only group (n = 21).

Intervention

Both groups completed exercises daily for 6 weeks, with the experimental group receiving neuromuscular electrical stimulation during exercises.

Main measures

Function, pain, strength, and scapular biomechanics (arm raising and lowering).

Results

The 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.

Conclusions

Despite 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.