INTRODUCTION: In addition to size/location of tear, surgical technique, and fixation methods, a well-programmed rehabilitation protocol is also critical to successful tendon healing and satisfactory shoulder functional outcome for patients with rotator cuff repair (RCR). To date, the progression of rehabilitation is still debated. PURPOSE: The aim of this meta-analysis is to analyze the effects of a post-operative aggressive protocol versus those of a traditional rehabilitation protocol. METHODS: We searched the database of PubMed, Ovid Medline, CINAHL, Cochrane Library, and CEPS and finally included 6 articles that met our selection criteria. RESULTS: The aggressive postoperative rehabilitation protocol results in more improvement in ROM and shoulder function than the traditional protocol, but it also entails a greater risk of un-healing or re-tearing of the rotator cuff tendon. CONCLUSION: Although the aggressive postoperative rehabilitation protocol has positive effects for patients with RCR, factors influencing the risk of un-healing/re-tearing of the tendon should be further investigated. These factors are important to consider in the design of a post-operative program for patients with RCR.

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