The Effect of Early-Phase Graded Motor Imagery Following Massive Rotator Cuff Repair.

The Effect of Early-Phase Graded Motor Imagery Following Massive Rotator Cuff Repair

Massive rotator cuff tears are associated with significant pain, functional limitations, and prolonged rehabilitation following surgical repair. In the early postoperative phase, rehabilitation protocols are often limited due to surgical protection requirements, which may delay the restoration of motor control and shoulder function. Graded motor imagery (GMI), a movement representation technique that includes laterality recognition, motor imagery, and mirror therapy, has been shown to modulate cortical processing and improve pain and motor function in various musculoskeletal and neurological conditions. However, its potential role in early postoperative shoulder rehabilitation has not been adequately investigated.

Inclusion Criteria:

• Age between 30 and 65 years
• Presence of an arthroscopically repaired anterior-superior rotator cuff tear, involving the supraspinatus and subscapularis tendons

Exclusion Criteria:

• Age younger than 30 years or older than 65 years

  • Presence of severe malignant, hematological, endocrine, metabolic, rheumatologic, or gastrointestinal diseases
  • Diagnosis of glenohumeral osteoarthritis (Kellgren-Lawrence grade III or higher, with radiographic evidence of osteophytes)
  • Current treatment with cytotoxic agents or systemic corticosteroids
  • Alcohol dependence, history of substance abuse, or psychological/emotional disorders that may compromise the validity of informed consent
  • Previous surgery on the ipsilateral shoulder
  • Multiple tendon tears, such as combined tears involving the supraspinatus together with the infraspinatus or subscapularis tendons