Table 1.
Functional Outcome Measures Were Performed at Baseline and at 8 and 12 Weeks
| Functional Exercise Test | Description | Main Parameter Assessed |
|---|---|---|
| Empty can exercise with dumbbell resistance | Arm held in position of scaptation (30 degrees of horizontal adduction with shoulder abducted to 90 degrees) with weighted resistance, measured as number of seconds to fatigue (unable to maintain arm at 90 degrees) | Supraspinatus muscle strength and stamina |
| Drop arm exercise with dumbbell resistance | Arm held in position of 90 degrees of shoulder abduction with weighted resistance, measured as number of seconds to fatigue (unable to maintain arm at 90 degrees) | Supraspinatus muscle strength and stamina |
| Side-lying external rotation with dumbbell resistance | Side-lying on opposite side, with weight held in hand with elbow flexed to 90 degrees adducted to the side, participant externally rotates through full range of motion at the shoulder. The number of repetitions during a 30-second period are recorded. | Infraspinatus strength and stamina |
| Full can exercise with dumbbell resistance | Participant parallel to wall with the hand held in a fist and shoulder forward flexed parallel to the floor. A measuring stick is used to measure forward-reach distance. The patient is instructed to reach forward along the yardstick. The patient repeatedly reaches to a maximal distance. The number of repetitions during a 60-second period are recorded. | Rotator cuff strength and stamina, ability to forward flex the shoulder |
| External rotation at 0 and 90 degrees with Thera-Band resistance | Test 1: Performed at 0 degrees of shoulder abduction. Test 2: Performed at 90 degrees of abduction and external rotation of the shoulder. (Thera-Band resistance was selected according to the patient's ability to perform 20 repetitions with good eccentric control.) The patient is instructed to perform rapid oscillations in a 30-degree arc of external rotation motion until fatigue. The examiner records the number of seconds to fatigue. |
Rotator cuff strength and stamina, ability to externally rotate and abduct the shoulder |