Effect of Virtual Reality on Upper Extremity Function Post-operative Rotator Cuff Repair

The Effect of Virtual Reality Intervention and Its Impact on Upper Extremity Function in Patients With Post-operative Rotator Cuff Repair

The aim of the study is to investigate the effect and the impact of performing virtual reality intervention on upper extremity function in patients with post-operative rotator cuff repair. The main question that it aims to answer is:

Does the application of virtual reality intervention improves upper extremity function in patients with post-operative rotator cuff repair.

Participants will be randomized into 2 groups: the control group receiving conventional physical therapy intervention and the experimental group receiving the virtual reality intervention.

Rotator cuff tears are one of the most common disorders of the shoulder that result in shoulder pain and dysfunction. It affects about 30% of individuals that are older than 60 years. The conservative management is the first-line treatment for a rotator cuff tear, but a surgical rotator cuff repair (RCR) is required if the conservative management failed. Post-operative rehabilitation requires up to 12 weeks. But, Virtual Reality (VR) intervention is emerging as a viable alternative for musculoskeletal rehabilitation of the upper limb. Unlike in neuro-rehabilitation, VR is still poorly used in orthopedic rehabilitation. Thus, the investigators hypothesize that performing virtual reality intervention will improve the upper extremity function in patients with post-operative rotator cuff repair.

Inclusion Criteria:

1. Older than 18 years old and younger than 70 years old, and referred by the Adult Orthopedic Department with arthroscopic RC repair of a non-retracted isolated full-thickness supraspinatus tear with maximum 5 days post operation.
2. Poor response to initial non-operative treatment.

Exclusion Criteria:

1. Large-sized RC tears (3-5 cm),
2. Massive or irreparable RC tears,
3. Anteroinferior labral (Bankart) or superior labrum anterior to posterior lesions,
4. Severe glenohumeral osteoarthritis,
5. Adhesive capsulitis, or
6. Previous surgery on the affected shoulder
7. Re-tears of the RC.
8. Indication for revision RCR
9. Severe neurological deficits
10. Infection in the affected shoulder
11. Blindness and/or illiteracy