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Tue, May 26, 2026
Accepted article
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Reza Kazempour-Mofrad1 
, Zahra Rezasoltani1 , Sirous Azizi1 , Masumeh Bagherzadeh Cham1 , Afsaneh Dadarkhah *1
, Zahra Rezasoltani1 , Sirous Azizi1 , Masumeh Bagherzadeh Cham1 , Afsaneh Dadarkhah *1
1- Clinical Biomechanics and Ergonomics Research Center, AJA University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
Abstract: (21 Views)
Introduction: Rotator cuff tendinopathy, affecting 15-27% of adults, is a leading cause of shoulder disability with significant socioeconomic impacts. While exercise therapy remains the first-line treatment, tele-rehabilitation emerges as a potentially cost-effective alternative to clinic-based care. This study compares the efficacy of tele-rehabilitation versus in-clinic exercise therapy on pain, disability, function, and quality of life in rotator cuff tendinopathy patients.
Methods: This randomized controlled trial compared tele-rehabilitation versus in-clinic exercise therapy in 40 patients with rotator cuff tendinopathy. Both groups received 10 supervised 45-minute sessions over 4 weeks, performing identical Cadman pendulum and strengthening exercises. Visual Analog Scale, Disabilities of the Arm, Shoulder, and Hand (DASH) questionnaire, and Brief World Health Organization Quality of Life (WHOQOL-BREF) Scale Outcomes were assessed at baseline, post-intervention, and 2-month follow-up using Generalized Linear Mixed-Effects Model analysis.
Results: Both groups demonstrated significant reduction in pain and disability (P<0.001), as well as improvements in DASH questionnaire and WHOQOL-BREF Scale (P<0.001) post-intervention and at 2-month follow-up. However, no significant difference was found between the two groups. While improvement trends were similar between groups (P>0.05), a significant time and group interaction was observed for the DASH questionnaire (P=0.008).
Discussion: Both in-clinic exercise and tele-rehabilitation effectively reduce pain and disability from rotator cuff tendinopathy, improving patients' functional abilities and quality of life. Tele-rehabilitation is particularly valuable as a complementary treatment during pandemics or when access to physical therapy is limited, offering convenience, flexibility, and increased patient adherence.
Methods: This randomized controlled trial compared tele-rehabilitation versus in-clinic exercise therapy in 40 patients with rotator cuff tendinopathy. Both groups received 10 supervised 45-minute sessions over 4 weeks, performing identical Cadman pendulum and strengthening exercises. Visual Analog Scale, Disabilities of the Arm, Shoulder, and Hand (DASH) questionnaire, and Brief World Health Organization Quality of Life (WHOQOL-BREF) Scale Outcomes were assessed at baseline, post-intervention, and 2-month follow-up using Generalized Linear Mixed-Effects Model analysis.
Results: Both groups demonstrated significant reduction in pain and disability (P<0.001), as well as improvements in DASH questionnaire and WHOQOL-BREF Scale (P<0.001) post-intervention and at 2-month follow-up. However, no significant difference was found between the two groups. While improvement trends were similar between groups (P>0.05), a significant time and group interaction was observed for the DASH questionnaire (P=0.008).
Discussion: Both in-clinic exercise and tele-rehabilitation effectively reduce pain and disability from rotator cuff tendinopathy, improving patients' functional abilities and quality of life. Tele-rehabilitation is particularly valuable as a complementary treatment during pandemics or when access to physical therapy is limited, offering convenience, flexibility, and increased patient adherence.
Article type: Original Research Articles |
Subject:
Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation
Received: 2025/11/2 | Accepted: 2026/05/19
Received: 2025/11/2 | Accepted: 2026/05/19
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