Effects Of Exercise Management On Women With Adhesive Capsulitis After Acr Intervention

Abstract

Background: Adhesive capsulitis (AC), commonly known as frozen shoulder, is a debilitating condition characterized by progressive pain, stiffness, and restricted shoulder mobility, significantly affecting functional independence. Arthroscopic Capsular Release (ACR) intervention is an effective surgical procedure for severe cases; however, post-surgical recovery largely depends on structured exercise rehabilitation. This study aims to evaluate the effects of exercise management on post-ACR recovery in women with adhesive capsulitis by comparing functional and clinical outcomes between an Intervention Group (structured exercise management) and a Control Group (standard post-surgical care).

Methods: A quasi-experimental pretest-posttest study design was used, involving 68 women (34 in each group) aged 40–60 years diagnosed with adhesive capsulitis post-ACR intervention. The Intervention Group followed a structured rehabilitation program including passive stretching, active-assisted ROM exercises, strengthening exercises, proprioceptive training, and progressive resistance training for 4 weeks. The Control Group received only standard post-surgical care. Outcomes were measured using Range of Motion (ROM) via goniometer, Pain Levels (NPRS), Functional Independence (DASH Score), and Muscle Strength (MMT Score). Statistical analysis included paired t-tests and independent t-tests, with significance set at p<0.05.

Results: The Intervention Group demonstrated significant improvements (P<0.001) across all outcome measures compared to the Control Group. ROM improvements were greater in the Intervention Group (Flexion: 77.53° vs. 57.91°; Abduction: 92.18° vs. 73.71°). Pain reduction was more pronounced (NPRS: 3.50 vs. 6.50), functional disability decreased significantly (DASH Score: 33.65 vs. 57.24), and muscle strength increased (MMT: 3.41 vs. 2.50). In contrast, the Control Group showed only minimal improvements, with some parameters not reaching statistical significance (P>0.05).

Conclusion: Structured exercise management following ACR intervention is highly effective in improving shoulder mobility, reducing pain, enhancing functional recovery, and increasing muscle strength in women with adhesive capsulitis. Passive recovery alone is insufficient for optimal outcomes, highlighting the critical need for rehabilitation programs as a standard component of post-surgical care. These findings reinforce the importance of early, progressive, and targeted rehabilitation in post-ACR recovery protocols.