The Effect of Judo Therapy on Rotator Cuff Muscle Dysfunction Induced by Tendonitis in Athletes

Abstract

Background: Athletes frequently experience shoulder pain syndrome due to prolonged and repetitive motions involving the rotator cuff muscles. These injuries can have a significant impact on an athlete’s career and restrict their ability to engage in competitive sports. Aim: This study aimed to investigate the effects of Judo therapy on pain relief and shoulder joint function in athletes with shoulder pain. Materials and Methods: Thirteen competitive athletes with shoulder pain were selected for the study and randomly assigned to either the judo treatment group or the control group. A total of 12 treatment sessions were conducted, with the treatment group receiving Judo therapy and the control group engaging in regular exercise. The diagnosis was confirmed using ultrasonography, and the thickness of the supraspinatus muscle tendon was measured. Pain intensity and range of motion were assessed. Statistical calculations were performed using a non-parametric method. Results: The respondents had an average age of 19±4.6 years, with 54% being female and 46% male. Among the athletes, 85% were right-handed, and 15% were left-handed. Pain was reported on the dominant side by 62% of participants, while 38% experienced pain on the non-dominant side. In the treatment group, pain intensity decreased significantly from 44.3±8.3 cm before treatment to 11.6±6.1 cm after treatment (p=0.002). Moreover, the thickness of the supraspinatus muscle tendon decreased from 0.61±0.05 mm to 0.54±0.06 mm (p=0.002). In the control group, pain intensity decreased from 53.4±9.5 cm to 10.4±5.4 cm (p=0.001), and supraspinatus tendon thickness reduced from 0.70±0.09 mm to 0.64±0.1 mm (p=0.001). When comparing these two groups, the parameters of the treatment group demonstrated statistically significant differences (p=0.005). Both the treatment and control groups exhibited increased shoulder flexion, extension, abduction, and adduction following treatment and exercise. However, the results of the treatment group were significantly superior to those of the control group (p=0.005). Conclusion: The reduction in supraspinatus muscle tendon thickness observed in the athletes of the research group indicates a subsidence of inflammation. Additionally, compared to the control group, the participants in the treatment group displayed greater improvement in joint range of motion, underscoring the superior outcomes achieved through Judo therapy.