Int J Biometeorol. 2026 Jan 3;70(1):4. doi: 10.1007/s00484-025-03077-1.
ABSTRACT
The aim of this study was evaluating the effect of peloidotherapy, included in the postoperative rehabilitation, on functional outcomes in patients who have undergone surgical treatment for rotator cuff tears (RCTs) and superior labrum anterior-posterior SLAP tears, and to assess the short-term clinical outcomes of the early rehabilitation protocol. The study was prospective, randomized, controlled, and single-blind. Sixty patients were sequentially enrolled and randomly divided into two groups (30 each) using a computer-generated random number table. Assessments were performed by a blinded researcher, and statistical analysis was conducted by a blinded biostatistician. Group 1 received peloidotherapy(44-45 °C), TENS, and exercise, while Group 2 received a hot pack, TENS, and exercise. Patients were evaluated using VAS, SPADI, and goniometer measurements before treatment and after. Intra-group analyses showed significant decreases in pain-activity/rest VAS, and SPADI scores, increases in all shoulder ROM measures. Between groups, flexion, abduction, and adduction differed significantly, while other shoulder movements and pain-activity/rest VAS, and SPADI scores showed no significant differences. Comparison of difference scores showed no significant changes except for adduction, which differed significantly between groups. A significant between-group difference was observed only in the number of patients achieving MCID for disability SPADI. The addition of peloidotherapy to the rehabilitation program after arthroscopic RCTs and SLAP tear repair has been shown to have similar effects to hot pack application. An early rehabilitation protocol using peloidotherapy and physiotherapy may improve upper extremity performance and quality of life by speeding up functional recovery.
PMID:41483235 | DOI:10.1007/s00484-025-03077-1
