Effects of Electrical Muscle Stimulation for Preventing Deltoid Muscle Atrophy after Rotator Cuff Repair: Preliminary Results of a Prospective, Randomized, Single-blind Trial

Abstract

Background: This study investigates the effects of neuromuscular electrical stimulation (NMES) in preventing deltoid atrophy during the first 12 weeks after arthroscopic rotator cuff repair.Methods: Eighteen patients undergoing arthroscopic repair of a medium-sized rotator cuff tear by a single surgeon, were randomized into two groups: NMES and transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation (TENS). Each group used the respective device for 6 weeks after surgery. Pain was measured at baseline, 6, and 12 weeks postoperatively, using the visual analogue scale (VAS); range of motion (ROM), abduction strength and functional scores were measured at baseline and 12 weeks postoperatively. Deltoid thickness and cross-sectional areas were measured using magnetic resonance imaging at 12 weeks postoperatively.Results: At 12 weeks post-surgery, no statistically significant difference was observed between the NMES and TENS groups in the pain VAS, the Disabilities of the Arm, Shoulder and Hand score, ROM, and abduction strength. Postoperative decrease in the thickness of the anterior, middle, and posterior deltoid, at the level just below the coracoid, was -2.5%, -0.7%, and -6.8%, respectively, in the NMES group, and -14.0%, -2.6%, and -8.2%, respectively, in the TENS group (<i>p</i>=0.016, <i>p</i>=0.677, and <i>p</i>=0.791, respectively). At the level of the inferior glenoid tubercle, postoperative decrease in area of the deltoid was -5.4% in the NMES group and -14.0% in the TENS group, which was significantly different (<i>p</i>=0.045).Conclusions: NMES has the potential for reducing deltoid atrophy after arthroscopic rotator cuff repair, suggesting that NMES might help minimize postoperative atrophy after various shoulder surgeries.

Physiotherapy Rehabilitation Strategies to Improve Clinical Outcomes Following Joint Debridement in the Case of Shoulder Joint Tuberculosis

“…The effectiveness of electrical stimulation is established in various literatures. According to a study published by Lee et al ( 2019) neuromuscular electrical stimulation is found to be effective in preventing deltoid atrophy after arthroscopic shoulder surgery [9]. Therapeutic exercises: After electrical stimulation, therapeutic exercises were given to the patient.…”

Effects of electrical muscle stimulation on core muscle activation and physical performance in non-athletic adults: A randomized controlled trial

“…[ 9 ] In such situations, EMS presents an opportunity to increase adherence to an exercise program [ 10 ] and improve body composition and physical strength for patients. [ 4 ] Investigators have reported that EMS improves quadriceps strength and lower extremity function in frail older patients with acute heart failure, [ 11 ] preserves muscle mass and function in patients with sarcopenia, [ 12 ] improves balance and reduces fall risk among the elderly, [ 13 ] reduces deltoid atrophy after arthroscopic rotator cuff repair, [ 14 ] and improves quadriceps strength and decreases pain in patients with knee osteoarthritis. [ 15 ] However, there are few studies on the effectiveness of EMS, especially in patients in intensive care settings, which requires further research.…”