High-intensity interval training for persistent inflammatory shoulder pain
Official title: Revolutionizing Musculoskeletal Shoulder Pain Management: High-intensity Interval Training as a Systemic Intervention. A Feasibility Study.
Run by Universiteit Antwerpen · NCT07275164 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study will try short sessions of high-intensity interval training (HIIT) in adults with long-term shoulder pain thought to be driven by low-grade inflammation to see if the exercise is acceptable and whether inflammation and pain-related measures change.
Quick facts
| Study type | Interventional |
|---|---|
| Ages | 18 Years and up |
| Sex | All |
| Enrollment | 30 (estimated) |
| Sponsor | Universiteit Antwerpen Academic / other |
| Locations | 1 site (Wilrijk) |
| Status | Recruiting |
| Started | December 10, 2025 |
| Main results expected | April 1, 2026 |
| Study ends | October 2026 |
| Registry record updated | February 13, 2026 |
| Trial ID | NCT07275164 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
Is this trial a fit for you?
✓Likely a good fit
Adults who speak and read Dutch with rotator cuff-related shoulder pain or frozen shoulder lasting more than three months, without recent shoulder surgery or major neurological, cancer, or musculoskeletal comorbidities, are the intended participants.
✕Probably not a fit
People with recent shoulder surgery or trauma, structural joint disease (including osteoarthritis or cervical/AC joint pathology), significant neurological or systemic illness, pregnancy, or those unable to perform high-intensity exercise are unlikely to benefit from this protocol.
A plain-English reading of the study's rules. Only the study team can confirm whether you qualify.
What this trial studies
This is a feasibility study enrolling 15 people with persistent rotator cuff-related shoulder pain or frozen shoulder and 15 asymptomatic controls to test a HIIT protocol. Participants will undergo measurements of inflammatory markers (including C-reactive protein), HbA1c, blood pressure, body composition, and pain sensitivity tests before and after the intervention period. The primary focus is practical feasibility outcomes such as recruitment rate, adherence, acceptability, satisfaction, motivation, safety, and logistical issues. A secondary aim is to compare inflammatory and metabolic measures between the shoulder pain group and controls.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, HIIT could offer a short, systemic exercise option that lowers low-grade inflammation, improves metabolic markers, and helps reduce persistent shoulder pain.
How similar studies have gone: HIIT has been shown in other populations to improve inflammatory markers, metabolic health and pain modulation, but it has not been well studied specifically for inflammatory-driven shoulder pain.
Who can join: the full rules
Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria: Shoulder pain group * Shoulder pain \> 3 months * Diagnosis of rotator cuff related shoulder pain or frozen shoulder * Understanding Dutch in speaking and writing. Control group o Understanding Dutch in speaking and writing Exclusion Criteria: Shoulder pain group * \<18 years * Shoulder surgery or trauma in past year * Neurological, cancer, or neuromuscular disease * Osteoarthritis, cervical or AC joint pathology * Heavy physical exertion \<48h before testing Control group * \<18 years * recent or recurrent neck/shoulder pain * systemic or neurological disease * psychiatric disorders * pregnancy/breastfeeding * pain medication \<48h before test
Where it's running
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Universiteit Antwerpen
Wilrijk, Belgium Recruiting
Study contacts
- Principal investigator: Michel Mertens, PhD — Universiteit Antwerpen
- Study coordinator: Michel Mertens, PhD
- Email: michel.mertens@uantwerpen.be
- Phone: +32 3 265 89 76
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How to take part
- Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
- Check the official listing on ClinicalTrials.gov for the latest contact details and recruitment status.
- Contact the study coordinator or principal investigator to ask for pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.