Instrument-assisted soft tissue mobilization for subacromial shoulder impingement
**Effect of Instrument-Assisted Soft Tissue Mobilization on Pain, Functionality, and Proprioception in Individuals With Subacromial Impingement Syndrome**
This project will test whether adding instrument-assisted soft tissue mobilization (IASTM) to a standard exercise program reduces pain and improves shoulder movement and function in adults aged 40–60 with subacromial impingement.
Quick facts
| Phase | Not applicable |
|---|---|
| Study type | Interventional |
| Enrollment | 38 (estimated) |
| Ages | 40 Years to 60 Years |
| Sex | All |
| Sponsor | Istanbul Medipol University Hospital Academic / other |
| Locations | 1 site (Istanbul) |
| Trial ID | NCT07293702 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
What this trial studies
This randomized study will enroll 38 adults with MRI-confirmed subacromial impingement and assign them to a conventional exercise program alone or the same program plus IASTM. Both groups will receive three supervised sessions per week for four weeks (12 sessions total). Outcomes measured before and after the intervention include pain (VAS), shoulder range of motion (goniometer), joint position sense (proprioception by goniometer), functionality (DASH), and rotator cuff–specific quality of life (RC-QoL). The design compares short-term changes between groups to see if IASTM provides additional benefit beyond exercise.
Who should consider this trial
Good fit: Adults aged 40–60 with MRI-confirmed subacromial impingement, symptoms for at least one month, and a minimum of 60° shoulder flexion and abduction range are ideal candidates.
Not a fit: People with prior surgery on the affected arm, open arm wounds, active infections, inflammatory joint disease, or known tumors were excluded and are unlikely to benefit from this protocol.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, adding IASTM could reduce pain and improve shoulder range of motion and daily function more quickly than exercise alone.
How similar studies have performed: Some small trials and case series have suggested IASTM can reduce pain and improve range of motion in shoulder conditions, but high-quality randomized evidence is limited and mixed.
Eligibility criteria
Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria: * Individuals diagnosed with SIS by MRI * Men and women between 40 and 60 years of age * Individuals with symptoms persisting for at least one month * Individuals with a minimum of 60° of shoulder flexion and abduction range of motion Exclusion Criteria: * Individuals with a history of surgery on the affected arm * Individuals with an open wound on the arm * Individuals with an active infection * Individuals with inflammatory joint disease * Individuals with malignant or benign tumors were excluded from the study.
Where this trial is running
Istanbul
- Istanbul Medipol University — Istanbul, Turkey (Türkiye) (Recruiting)
Study contacts
- Principal investigator: Burak Menek, PhD — Medipol University
- Study coordinator: Burak Menek, PhD
- Email: bmenek@medipol.edu.tr
- Phone: 05444761640
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.