Effect of Microcurrent Stimulation on Pain, Shoulder Function, and Grip Strength in Early Post-Operative Phase after Rotator Cuff Repair

• Main Authors: Donghyun Yi, Hwanyong Lim, Jongeun Yim
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Published: MDPI AG 2021-05-01
• Series: Medicina
• Subjects: rotator cuff repair; microcurrent stimulation; range of motion; grip strength; shoulder pain
• Online Access: https://www.mdpi.com/1648-9144/57/5/491

<i>Background and Objectives</i>: The purpose of this study was to investigate the effects of microcurrent stimulation on pain, shoulder function, and grip strength in patients with rotator cuff repair. <i>Materials and Methods:</i> This randomized single-blind controlled trial was conducted on inpatients of the rehabilitation department, and included 28 patients who underwent rotator cuff repair. Participants were randomly assigned to the experimental group (n = 14), treated with microcurrent stimulation, and the control group (n = 14), treated with false microcurrent stimulation. The microcurrent stimulation administered to the experimental group underwent general physical therapy and microcurrent stimulation three times a week for 4 weeks. <i>Results</i>: Changes in pain, range of motion in shoulder, simple shoulder test, and grip strength were assessed before and after the intervention. Both groups showed a significant decrease in pain and shoulder function (t = 27.412, 22.079, 19.079, and 18.561; <i>p</i> < 0.001), and grip strength showed a significant increase (t = −8.251 and −9.946; <i>p</i> < 0.001). The experimental group that underwent microcurrent stimulation exhibited a significant effect on pain, shoulder function, and grip strength compared with the control group that underwent false microcurrent stimulation (t = −2.17, −2.22, and 2.213; <i>p</i> = 0.039, 0.035, and 0.036). <i>Conclusions:</i> This study confirmed that microcurrent stimulation is effective for the treatment of rotator cuff repair patients.