The Effect of Stabilization Exercise using Tele-rehabilitaion on Muscle Activity, Shoulder Pain and Disability Index in Rural Elderly People with Chronic Shoulder Pain

Objective: This study covered the effect of stabilization exercise on muscle activity, shoulder painanddisability index(SPADI)oftheelderly people with chronic shoulder pain by tele-rehabilitation village hall in rural area. Design: A randomized controlled trial. Methods: The study subjects are 29 elders with chronic shoulder pain aged over 65-year-old who reside in the rural area (experimental group: 14 elders and control group: 15). The elderly people in the experimental group were asked to perform shoulder stabilization exercise 60 minutes per one time for 4weeks and three times in a week and the others in the control group were asked to receive education related to pain management forthe initial one time. Before and after the experiment, we measured the subjects’ muscle activity of upper trapezius, serratus anteriorand the lower trapezius. In addition, SPADI is measured through the questionnaire. Results: Compared to the control group, the experimental group showed significant differences in the muscle activity of the threemuscles (upper trapezius, serratus anterior, lower trapezius), and SPADI. Conclusions: It is found that shoulder stabilization exercise is effective in muscleactivity, pain and ability of the elderly peoplethrough tele-rehabilitation service. This study should be used for improving the quality of the elderly people’s lives through activetele-rehabilitation service for areas where have poor medical benefits.