Trial therapy on laterality and motor imagery and selective glenohumeral muscle activation in patients with massive rotator cuff tear: case series

Abstract

Introduction: Massive rotator cuff tear (MRCT) is a degenerative clinical condition, corresponding to a 5 cm tear, or which compromises two or more tendons of the rotator cuff (RC), generating loss of functionality and disabling pain. Objective: To describe changes in pain and shoulder function following a 6-week program of laterality and motor imagery therapy and selective glenohumeral activation exercises in subjects with massive rotator cuff tears. Methods: This study is a descriptive investigation, designed on case series, with a sample of 50 participants diagnosed with massive rotator cuff tear. Patients underwent a selective glenohumeral exercise program plus laterality and motor imagery therapy for 6 weeks. The variables of function, pain, abduction and shoulder flexion AROPM were measured at the sixth week and sixth month of evolution. Results: There were significant differences in pain intensity, shoulder function, flexion AROM and shoulder abduction AROM, after the intervention (p > 0.05). Statistically significant differences were found for all outcome measurements between intervention and the sixth follow-up month (p < 0.05). Only pain showed statistically significant differences between the sixth week and the sixth month of monitoring (p = 0.01). Conclusion: The application of trial therapy regarding laterality and motor imagery added to a program of selective glenohumeral stabilizing exercises over 6 weeks could improve shoulder function, decrease pain and increase flexion and shoulder abduction AROM in patients with massive rotator cuff tear.