Abstract
Objectives:
To compare the effectiveness of an isolated Eccentric exercise program versus Conventional exercise program in athletes with rotator cuff tendinopathy.
Methods:
The study included 80 athletes with rotator cuff (RC) tendinopathy (diagnosed on Magnetic resonance imaging) presenting to author’s tertiary level institute. Patients were randomized into two groups of 40 each. The eccentric exercise group (n = 40, mean age = 26.4years ) received an isolated eccentric training combined with stretching, while the conventional exercise group received scapular stabilization exercises, concentric RC strengthening exercises and stretching. (n = 40, mean age = 25.2years). Patients in both groups fulfilled 12 week daily home based exercise program and received treatments twice a week for 3 months. Primary outcome measures were shoulder pain (a 0–100mm Visual Analog Scale; VAS) and function measured with the Constant Murley score and Disabilities of the Arm, Shoulder and Hand (DASH) score. Secondary outcome measures were isometric abduction strength in 45° in the scapular plane (Hand held dynamometer) and shoulder range of motion (forward elevation, abduction and external rotation). All measurements were taken at baseline, at 12, and 24weeks. There was no statistically significant difference in pre-intervention scores between two groups. The study was approved by Institutional Review Board.
Results:
After 24 weeks, both groups showed a significant decrease in VAS scores and DASH score and a significant increase in the Constant Murley score. No statistically significant differences were found between the groups for any of the evaluated outcome measures. In the EE group, there was a slight deterioration in both CM and VAS scores between 12 and 24 weeks, but this did not reach statistical significance. Both groups also had a significant increase in isometric muscle strength between baseline and 24 weeks.
Conclusions:
A 12 week isolated eccentric training program of the rotator cuff is as effective (but not superior to) as conventional exercise program for the rotator cuff tendinopathy in athletes.