Background: Patients who underwent rotator cuff repair (RCR) require management to control pain and prevent re tear and stiffness. Thoracic mobilization has been applied for the improvement of vertebra and shoulder movements and pain reduction. Also, core stability exercise is an intervention necessary for rehabilitation after shoulder surgery. Objectives: To examine the short term benefits of thoracic mobilization and core stability exercise for patients after RCR. Design: Randomized controlled trial with multi arm parallel group and single blind assessor. Methods: 30 participants after RCR were recruited. Participants were categorized into conventional physical therapy (CPT) group, thoracic mobilization (TM) group, and core stability exercise (CSE) group according to the randomization program. Each treatment, transcutaneous electrical nerve stimuli (TENS), TM, and CSE was applied to each group. 3 physical therapists only conducted evaluations; VAS (visual analogue scale), ROM (range of motion), and Korean version of Shoulder Pain and Disability Index (SPADI). Results: VAS and SPADI were statistically reduced, and ROM was statistically improved in all 3 groups. In between three group comparisons of changes in outcome variables, there was not a significant difference in VAS, but there was a significant difference in ROM and SPADI. In the post hoc test, ROM and SPADI showed a significant difference in TM and CSE compared to CPT. Conclusion: TM according to Maitland concept and CSE had beneficial effects compared to CPT in patients after RCR.

INTRODUCTION
SUBJECTS AND METHODS
    Trial design
    Subjects
    Outcome Measures
    Interventions
    Experimental Procedures
    Data and Statistical Analysis
RESULTS
DISCUSSION
CONCLUSION
REFERENCES

• Yusung Jang(Department of Physical Therapy, Yongin University, Yongin, Republic of Korea)
• Wansuk Choi(Department of Physical Therapy, International University of Korea, Jinju, Republic of Korea)
• Kyunhee Cho(Department of Physical Therapy, Gangdong University, Icheon, Republic of Korea)
• Soonhee Kim(Department of Physical Therapy, Yongin University, Yongin, Republic of Korea) Corresponding author