Effects of muscle vibration and exercise on shoulder pain

The Effects of Focal Muscle Vibration Combined With Exercise on Sensorimotor Activity in Individuals With Chronic Subacromial Impingement Syndrome

Not applicable Interventional National Yang Ming Chiao Tung University · NCT06694402

This study is testing if adding muscle vibration to exercise can help people with chronic shoulder pain feel better and move more easily.

Quick facts

PhaseNot applicable
Study typeInterventional
Enrollment90 (estimated)
Ages18 Years to 65 Years
SexAll
SponsorNational Yang Ming Chiao Tung University Academic / other
Locations1 site (Taipei)
Trial IDNCT06694402 on ClinicalTrials.gov

What this trial studies

This study investigates the impact of focal muscle vibration (FMV) combined with exercise on sensorimotor activity in individuals suffering from chronic subacromial impingement syndrome (CSIS). The research aims to address the alterations in somatosensory function and corticomotor excitability associated with CSIS, which are often overlooked in traditional treatment approaches. Participants will engage in exercise routines supplemented by FMV to evaluate improvements in pain and functional performance. This approach is novel as it combines proprioceptive stimulation with targeted exercise for shoulder issues.

Who should consider this trial

Good fit: Ideal candidates are individuals aged 18 to 65 with chronic shoulder pain lasting at least three months and a diagnosis of subacromial impingement syndrome.

Not a fit: Patients with a history of significant shoulder injuries, neurological impairments, or inflammatory conditions may not benefit from this study.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this study could provide a new therapeutic approach to alleviate pain and improve function in patients with chronic shoulder conditions.

How similar studies have performed: While the use of focal muscle vibration in conjunction with exercise is a relatively novel approach, preliminary evidence suggests that similar methods have shown promise in improving sensorimotor performance in other populations.

Eligibility criteria

Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria:

1. Anterior or lateral shoulder pain ≥ 3 months
2. 18 to 65 years old
3. The most pain intensity ≥ 3/10 Pain-Numeric Scale (NRS)
4. SIS, at least 3 positive findings of the following tests:

(1) Neer's test (2) Hawkins-Kennedy test (3) Empty can test (4) Resisted external rotation test (5) Presenting painful arc during arm elevation (6) Tenderness of the rotator cuff tendons

Exclusion Criteria:

1. History of dislocation, fracture, adhesive capsulitis or surgery of upper extremity
2. Neck pain
3. Shoulder flexion or abduction less than 150 degrees
4. History of direct contact injury to the neck or upper extremities within the past 12 months
5. Brain injury and neurological impairment
6. Inflammatory cause of the pain (e.g., rheumatoid arthritis)
7. Psychosis and symptom of headache or dizziness
8. Taking centrally acting medication
9. Contraindications to the use of transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS)
10. Received shoulder-related physical therapy or corticosteroid injections in the past three months.
11. Received high-concentration platelet-rich plasma (PRP) injections in the shoulder joint in the past year.

Where this trial is running

Taipei

Study contacts

How to participate

  1. Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
  2. Visit the official trial page on ClinicalTrials.gov for the most current contact information and recruitment status.
  3. Contact the listed study coordinator or principal investigator to request pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.
Conditions Focal VibrationElectroencephalographyTranscranial Magnetic StimulationSomatosensory DysfunctionCorticomotor ExcitabilityIntracortical InhibitionChronic Subacromial Impingement SyndromeChronic Pain
Last reviewed 2026-06-13 by the Find a Trial editorial team. Information on this page is for educational purposes and is not medical advice. Always consult qualified healthcare professionals about clinical trial participation.