Action Observation Therapy in Patients Undetgoing Surgery for Shoulder Instability

Effects of Action Observation Therapy in Patients Undergoing Surgery for Shoulder-instability

The study will aim at investigating the effects of action observation therapy (action observation plus motor imagery) in patients with shoulder instability undergoing capsulo-plastic surgery. Forty subjects scheduled for capsulo-plastic surgery will be randomized into an AOT or Control group. AOT group will undergo action observation followed by motor imagery of upper limb motor tasks for 4 weeks after surgery, whereas Control group will perform no intervention. In addition, both groups will undergo postoperative usual care including immobilization with a brace and passive upper limb mobilization. All participants will be assessed for shoulder pain, function, range of motion, fear of movement and quality of life the day before surgery, at training end and 3 months after training end.

Inclusion Criteria:

• Subjects undergoing capsule-plastic surgery or Latarjet stabilization for shoulder instability

Exclusion Criteria:

• Previous upper limb surgery
• Cognitive impairments
• Visual or auditory impairments
• Postoperative complications limiting upper limb motor recovery (e.g., infections)