Feasibility of an at Home, Online, Yoga-Based and Standard Exercise Intervention for Rotator Cuff Injuries

Abstract

This study investigates the feasibility of conducting a 6-week intervention program comparing online yoga-based and standard exercises among 10 injured pre-surgery rotator cuff patients. A feasibility study of 10 patients recruited from surgical wait lists was conducted. Patients were assessed for shoulder flexion, abduction and external rotation range of motion and strength at baseline and 6-weeks. The SPADI questionnaire was used to assess pain/function. 8/10 patients did not complete the full study protocol. The case report illustrates that the yoga group patient worsened, while the standard exercise group patient improved in strength. SPADI results were changed by less than 10% indicating no clinically important change. Qualitative feedback suggested that patients might be open to online exercises however further developmental work is needed to define a feasible protocol.