Telemedicine for rotator cuff syndrome: Asynchronous exercise and remote follow-up in a randomized controlled study.

研究概要

90 patients with MRI-confirmed rotator cuff syndrome were randomized to receive telemedicine-based rehabilitation with asynchronous exercise videos and remote video-call follow-up or conventional rehabilitation consisting of illustrated exercise brochures and in-person follow-up visits. The primary outcomes of interest were pain severity measured by the Visual Analog Scale (VAS) and functional status measured by the Quick Disabilities of the Arm, Shoulder, and Hand (QuickDASH). Secondary outcomes included exercise adherence, patient satisfaction, travel burden, and time efficiency. Outcomes were assessed at baseline, day 15, and month 6. Overall, the results of the study revealed significant improvements in pain and function in both groups, with no significant between-group differences in pain reduction or functional improvement. Telemedicine was associated with greater exercise adherence and patient satisfaction while reducing travel and time burden. These findings suggest that telemedicine is a clinically non-inferior and practical alternative to conventional rehabilitation for rotator cuff syndrome.