An early, intensive and complementary aquatic rehabilitation protocol after arthroscopy rotator cuff repair: Consensus through a Delphi study

Introduction: Ruptures of the rotator cuff tendon are one of the most common causes of pain and dysfunction in adults, and total rupture affects approximately 20% of the population, with this number increasing significantly after the age of 50. When conservative treatment fails, surgical repair is necessary. Studies show that aquatic rehabilitation improves joint balance early in the initial stages after rotator cuff surgery and that the aquatic environment is a safe and protective environment for the integrity of the sutures. The aim of this study is to present an early, intensive and complementary aquatic rehabilitation protocol for arthroscopy of the rotator cuff. Materials and methods: Consensus was reached by the Delphi method. Twelve experts in aquatic rehabilitation were recruited to evaluate the proposed protocol. They were selected considering their experience in aquatic rehabilitation as well as their knowledge of the subject based on the expert competence coefficient. The questionnaires were completed online through a website created for this study. The questions were rated on a 5-point Likert scale, and a minimum threshold of 80% favourable responses was regarded as consensus. Results: Three sessions of 30 minutes of active functional exercises in the water for three weeks will achieve the proposed goals. Conclusions: The experts agreed on the early, intensive and complementary aquatic rehabilitation protocol following arthroscopic repair of the rotator cuff.