Meegan G Van Straaten1, Beth A Cloud2, Melissa M Morrow1, Paula M Ludewig3, Kristin D Zhao4. 1. Motion Analysis Laboratory, Division of Orthopedic Research, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, MN. 2. Biomechanics Laboratory, Division of Orthopedic Research, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, MN; Mayo Graduate School, Mayo Clinic College of Medicine, Center for Clinical and Translational Science, Rochester, MN. 3. Program in Rehabilitation Science, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, MN. 4. Rehabilitation Medicine Research Center, Department of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, MN. Electronic address: zhao.kristin@mayo.edu.
Abstract
OBJECTIVE: To test the effectiveness of a high-dose home exercise/telerehabilitation program for manual wheelchair users who have a spinal cord injury (SCI) by determining whether the intervention would reduce pain and increase function, as we hypothesized. DESIGN: A pre-post trial with outcomes measured at 3 time points: baseline, postintervention (12wk), and follow-up (>24 wk). SETTING: Subjects performed an exercise program at their homes using telerehabilitation for therapist monitoring of technique and exercise advancement. Baseline and postintervention data were collected at a motion analysis laboratory in a tertiary medical center. PARTICIPANTS: A convenience sample of manual wheelchair users (N=16, 3 women; average age, 41y; average time in a wheelchair, 16y) with shoulder pain (average pain duration, 9y) and mechanical impingement signs on physical examination. INTERVENTIONS: A 12-week home exercise program of rotator cuff and scapular stabilization exercises was given to each participant. The program included a high dose of 3 sets of 30 repetitions, 3 times weekly, and regular physical therapist supervision via videoconferencing. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: Primary outcomes of pain and function were measured with the Wheelchair User's Shoulder Pain Index (WUSPI), Disabilities of Arm, Shoulder, and Hand (DASH) Index, and Shoulder Rating Questionnaire (SRQ). Secondary outcomes of strength were measured with isometric strength tests of scapulothoracic and glenohumeral muscles, and a static fatigue test of the lower trapezius. RESULTS: Pain was reduced and function improved after the intervention. There was a significant main effect for pain and function between the 3 time points based on the Friedman signed-ranked test, WUSPI (χ(2)2=5.10, P=.014), DASH Index (χ(2)2=5.41, P=.012), and SRQ (χ(2)2=23.71, P≤.001). Wilcoxon signed-rank tests demonstrated that isometric strength measurements of the serratus anterior and scapular retractors increased after the exercise intervention ([t=2.42, P=.04] and [t=4.67, P=.003], respectively). Muscle impulse produced by the lower trapezius during a fatigue task also improved (t=2.2, P=.02). No differences were measured in isometric strength for the lower trapezius, glenohumeral rotators, and abductors between the baseline and 12-week time points. CONCLUSIONS: A high-dose scapular stabilizer and rotator cuff strengthening program using telerehabilitation for supervision holds promise for shoulder pain treatment in manual wheelchair users with SCI. Additional work is needed to determine the effectiveness compared with other interventions, as well as the potential for earlier intervention to prevent development of shoulder pain.
OBJECTIVE: To test the effectiveness of a high-dose home exercise/telerehabilitation program for manual wheelchair users who have a spinal cord injury (SCI) by determining whether the intervention would reduce pain and increase function, as we hypothesized. DESIGN: A pre-post trial with outcomes measured at 3 time points: baseline, postintervention (12wk), and follow-up (>24 wk). SETTING: Subjects performed an exercise program at their homes using telerehabilitation for therapist monitoring of technique and exercise advancement. Baseline and postintervention data were collected at a motion analysis laboratory in a tertiary medical center. PARTICIPANTS: A convenience sample of manual wheelchair users (N=16, 3 women; average age, 41y; average time in a wheelchair, 16y) with shoulder pain (average pain duration, 9y) and mechanical impingement signs on physical examination. INTERVENTIONS: A 12-week home exercise program of rotator cuff and scapular stabilization exercises was given to each participant. The program included a high dose of 3 sets of 30 repetitions, 3 times weekly, and regular physical therapist supervision via videoconferencing. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: Primary outcomes of pain and function were measured with the Wheelchair User's Shoulder Pain Index (WUSPI), Disabilities of Arm, Shoulder, and Hand (DASH) Index, and Shoulder Rating Questionnaire (SRQ). Secondary outcomes of strength were measured with isometric strength tests of scapulothoracic and glenohumeral muscles, and a static fatigue test of the lower trapezius. RESULTS:Pain was reduced and function improved after the intervention. There was a significant main effect for pain and function between the 3 time points based on the Friedman signed-ranked test, WUSPI (χ(2)2=5.10, P=.014), DASH Index (χ(2)2=5.41, P=.012), and SRQ (χ(2)2=23.71, P≤.001). Wilcoxon signed-rank tests demonstrated that isometric strength measurements of the serratus anterior and scapular retractors increased after the exercise intervention ([t=2.42, P=.04] and [t=4.67, P=.003], respectively). Muscle impulse produced by the lower trapezius during a fatigue task also improved (t=2.2, P=.02). No differences were measured in isometric strength for the lower trapezius, glenohumeral rotators, and abductors between the baseline and 12-week time points. CONCLUSIONS: A high-dose scapular stabilizer and rotator cuff strengthening program using telerehabilitation for supervision holds promise for shoulder pain treatment in manual wheelchair users with SCI. Additional work is needed to determine the effectiveness compared with other interventions, as well as the potential for earlier intervention to prevent development of shoulder pain.
Authors: Meegan G Van Straaten; Beth A Cloud; Kristin D Zhao; Emma Fortune; Melissa M B Morrow Journal: Arch Phys Med Rehabil Date: 2017-02-07 Impact factor: 3.966
Authors: Carolina Lins; Alex Castro; Giovanna I S Medina; Eliza R F B M Azevedo; Bruno S Donato; Marina S S Chagas; Janaína Roland Tancredo; Letícia Vargas de Almeida; Alberto Cliquet Journal: J Spinal Cord Med Date: 2017-11-16 Impact factor: 1.985
Authors: Daniela Mehech; Melvin Mejia; Gregory A Nemunaitis; John Chae; Richard D Wilson Journal: J Spinal Cord Med Date: 2017-03-17 Impact factor: 1.985
Authors: Stephanie K Rigot; Lynn A Worobey; Michael L Boninger; Susan Robinson-Whelen; Mary Jo Roach; Allen W Heinemann; Gina McKernan Journal: Arch Phys Med Rehabil Date: 2021-05-29 Impact factor: 3.966