Comparing high versus low electrical frequencies delivered through fine needles to improve shoulder muscle strength and pain sensitivity
Impact of Different Electrical Frequencies Used in Percutaneous Neuromodulation on Muscle Strength and Pressure Pain Thresholds
This trial will test whether high- or low-frequency percutaneous electrical nerve stimulation using fine needles helps improve shoulder muscle strength and increases pressure-pain thresholds in people with shoulder pain and a latent trigger point in the infraspinatus.
Quick facts
| Phase | Not applicable |
|---|---|
| Study type | Interventional |
| Enrollment | 30 (estimated) |
| Ages | 18 Years to 65 Years |
| Sex | All |
| Sponsor | Universidad Complutense de Madrid Academic / other |
| Locations | 2 sites (Krakow, Poland and 1 other locations) |
| Trial ID | NCT07269925 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
What this trial studies
Adults with at least one latent myofascial trigger point in the infraspinatus will receive percutaneous electrical nerve stimulation delivered through fine filiform needles using either a high- or low-frequency protocol. Outcomes include objective measures of shoulder muscle strength and pressure pain thresholds measured before and after the intervention. Participants with interfering medications, prior shoulder or spine surgery, neuropathies, generalized pain syndromes, or major medical problems are excluded. The trial is conducted at clinical sites affiliated with the sponsoring Spanish universities and collaborating Polish clinics, addressing a gap in controlled comparisons of stimulation frequency for upper-limb musculoskeletal pain.
Who should consider this trial
Good fit: Ideal candidates are adults with shoulder pain who have at least one latent myofascial trigger point in the infraspinatus muscle and can give informed consent.
Not a fit: People taking medications that affect muscle tone, those with neuropathies, prior shoulder/spine surgery, generalized pain disorders like fibromyalgia, or severe systemic illnesses are unlikely to benefit or be eligible.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, the procedure could provide a non-pharmacologic way to increase shoulder muscle strength and reduce local pain sensitivity for some patients with myofascial trigger points.
How similar studies have performed: Previous small and single-case reports of percutaneous electrical nerve stimulation have reported pain and function improvements in some patients, but high-quality comparative evidence—especially on frequency differences in the upper limb—is limited.
Eligibility criteria
Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria: * Presence of at least one latent myofascial trigger point (MTrP) in the infraspinatus muscle, identified according to the most recent Delphi consensus criteria. * Ability to read, understand, and sign the written informed consent form. Exclusion Criteria: * Current pharmacological treatment that may affect muscle tone. * History of shoulder or spinal surgery. * Traumatic disorders such as whiplash-associated injuries, dislocations, or fractures. * Neuropathies, including radiculopathies or myelopathies. * Severe medical conditions (e.g., tumors, fractures, neurological or systemic diseases). * Clinically relevant asymmetries. * Generalized musculoskeletal conditions such as fibromyalgia.
Where this trial is running
Krakow, Poland and 1 other locations
- Atmis — Krakow, Poland, Poland (Not_yet_recruiting)
- Atmis — Nowy Targ, Poland (Recruiting)
Study contacts
- Study coordinator: Juan Antonio Valera-Calero, PhD
- Email: juavaler@ucm.es
- Phone: 0034 653 766 841
How to participate
- Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
- Visit the official trial page on ClinicalTrials.gov for the most current contact information and recruitment status.
- Contact the listed study coordinator or principal investigator to request pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.