Investigation of the effect of core stability on hand functions in patients undergoing rotator cuff surgery

The aim of this study is to determine the relationship between core stability and hand functions in patients undergoing rotator cuff (RC) surgery and to compare the results with healthy people of similar age and gender. Patients who had rotator cuff repair performed at least one year ago at the Orthopedics and Traumatology Clinic of Pamukkale University and healthy adults of the same age group participated in the study. The Edinburgh Questionnaire for determining the hand dominance of the participants and the Visual Analog Scale (VAS) was used for the perception of upper extremity pain (shoulder, elbow, hand/wrist). Upper limb gross grip strength was evaluated by hydraulic hand dynamometer, reaction time by Nelson Reaction Scale and functional status was evaluated by Short Arm-Shoulder-Hand Disability Questionnaire, Jebsen Taylor Hand Function Test, Upper Limb Y Balance Test. Flexor Endurance, Sorenson Test, Double Straight Leg Lowering (DLL) tests were used for core stabilization evaluation. Study findings; Healthy participants who underwent RM repair and were age-sex matched were compared in terms of functional status it was concluded that the improvement of upper limb functional status and symptoms was still incomplete in the participants who underwent RM repair. Among the healthy participants who underwent RM repair and were age-sex matched the difference was found in the tests used to evaluate core stabilization (Flexor Endurance Test p<0.05, Sorenson Test p>0.05, Double Straight Leg Lowering (DLL) p>0.05). An association was observed between core stability tests and upper limb dynamic balance, grip strength, reaction time, hand functions and upper limb functional status and symptoms in the participants who underwent RM repair (p<0,05). In the healthy control group, an association was observed between some of the core stability tests and upper limb dynamic balance, grip strength, reaction time, hand functions, and upper limb functional status and symptoms (p<0,05). As a result of the study, it was found that there were stronger relationships between core stability and hand functions in those who underwent RM repair than in healthy people. The results of our study have revealed the necessity of including core stability in patients undergoing RM repair into rehabilitation programs by evaluating its treatment. Keywords: Core Stabilization; Hand Functions; Rotator Cuff