Investigation of the efficiency of interactive online exercisesin patients with rotator cuff undertaking artroscopic surgery

In this study, we aimed to determine the effectiveness of an interactive online exercise program after arthroscopic surgical repair in patients with rotator cuff injury. A total of 46 patients aged between 44-65 years who underwent RM repair were included in this study. Patients were divided into 2 groups depending on the inclusion criteria. All patients underwent pendulum exercises and passive exercises at the limit of pain after RM repair. A 6-week shoulder bandage was applied to all patients and both groups started exercises from the first day. After the active exercises started to be performed at full range of motion, strengthening exercises were continued. The planned treatment period was 2 days a week for an average of 50 minutes, totaling 24 sessions for both groups. All patients were asked to perform the exercises taught at home for 4 repetitions. For the interactive patient group, it was arranged as a video chat session via WhatsApp application. The exercises given to the patients were written in the patient file and the home program was checked by repeating with the patient in the next session. The same exercises were applied for both groups. The difficulty of the exercises was gradually increased. Patients were asked to apply ice for 12 minutes after exercise. Patients were evaluated preoperatively and at 2 hf, 3 months and 6 months after surgery. Visuel Analog Scale (VAS) was used to determine the severity of pain and goniometer was used to determine the normal range of motion of the shoulder joint. Quick-Dash was used for the functional status of the extremity. Grip strength was also measured manually. At the end of this study, a statistically significant (p<0.05) improvement was observed in the results of all evaluation methods performed after RM repair in both groups. There was no statistical difference between the groups in terms of treatment efficacy (p>0.05). Keywords: Rotator Cuff Repair, Physiotherapy, Telerehabilitation, Interactive Online Exercise