OBJECTIVE: To investigate the effectiveness of a rehabilitation program with electromyographic biofeedback (EMG-BF) compared to the control group on patients with massive rotator cuff (RC) tear. DESIGN: Forty-six adults with massive RC tears, randomly assigned to two groups (23 EMG-BF group versus 23 Control group). The EMG-BF group (experimental group) performed the exercises under the guidance of EMG-BF, unlike the control group. All patients underwent a 45-minute training session a day, three times a week over a 6-week duration, and followed up until 1-year. The outcome measures were American Shoulder and Elbow (ASES) score, shoulder flexion strength, shoulder range of motion (ROM), numeric pain rating scale (NPRS), and Global Rating of Change Scale (GRCS). RESULTS: Compared with the control group, the EMG-BF group demonstrated a significant change in shoulder flexion strength and patient satisfaction from baseline to 6 weeks (post-training) and from baseline to 12-month follow-up (F = 4.671, p = 0.005). There were significant improvements in within groups statistics for ASES score, shoulder flexion strength, shoulder ROM, and NPRS in both groups (p < 0.05). CONCLUSION: The results demonstrate that deltoid focused structured rehabilitation program combined with EMG-BF can be used to increase shoulder flexion strength and patient satisfaction in conservative treatment of massive RC tear.

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