Investigating the Upper Trapezius Muscle's Role in Chronic Shoulder Pain
Structure and Function of the Upper Trapezius and Its Role in Chronic Shoulder Pain: an Investigation of Kinematics, Morphology, Muscle Quality and Activation Distribution
This study looks at how the upper trapezius muscle works in people with chronic shoulder pain compared to healthy individuals to see how muscle quality and other factors might affect their pain.
Quick facts
| Study type | Observational |
|---|---|
| Enrollment | 100 (estimated) |
| Ages | 18 Years to 50 Years |
| Sex | All |
| Sponsor | National Yang Ming Chiao Tung University Academic / other |
| Locations | 1 site (Taipei) |
| Trial ID | NCT06472349 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
What this trial studies
This observational study examines the structure and function of the upper trapezius muscle in individuals suffering from chronic shoulder pain. It aims to explore how factors such as muscle morphology, activation distribution, and psychosocial elements like fear avoidance beliefs influence muscle activation during functional movements. By comparing patients with chronic shoulder pain to healthy controls, the study seeks to identify the interplay between muscle quality and various pain-related characteristics. The findings could help bridge existing gaps in understanding the upper trapezius muscle's role in chronic shoulder pain.
Who should consider this trial
Good fit: Ideal candidates include individuals aged 18-50 with unilateral, non-traumatic chronic shoulder pain lasting more than three months.
Not a fit: Patients with a history of significant shoulder trauma or recent shoulder dislocation may not benefit from this study.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this study could lead to improved treatment strategies for patients with chronic shoulder pain by enhancing understanding of muscle activation and related factors.
How similar studies have performed: While there is existing research on muscle activation and chronic pain, this specific investigation into the upper trapezius muscle's morphology and its relationship with chronic shoulder pain is relatively novel.
Eligibility criteria
Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria: * Chronic shoulder pain group * 18-50 years old18-50 years old * unilateral and non-traumatic shoulder pain * pain duration longer than 3 months * pain intensity more than VAS=2 during movement * presence 3 of 5 positive pain provocation tests: Hawkins-Kennedy test, Jobe test, or Neer's test Painful Arc, and Resistance Test against External Rotation. * Healthy control group * presenting no shoulder pain at rest or during daily activities * negative results of the pain provocation test: Hawkins-Kennedy test, Jobe test, Neer's test, Painful Arc, Resistance Test against External Rotation and Spurling's neck compression test. Exclusion Criteria: \- Chronic shoulder pain group * history of significant shoulder trauma, such as fracture or ultrasonography clinically suspected full thickness cuff tear * recent shoulder dislocation in the last 2 years * diagnosis of adhesive capsulitis characterized by a gradual and painful loss of both active and passive ROM in all shoulder planes, primarily external rotation * shoulder pain originating from the cervical spine by using Spurling's neck compression test * shoulder pain owing to the following disorders: arthritis (e.g., rheumatoid arthritis, osteoarthritis of shoulder complex), neurologic (e.g., stroke), neoplastic (e.g., breast cancer). and/or referred pain (e.g., visceral referred pain) * corticoid injections over the shoulder during 6 months prior to the study * history of shoulder and neck surgery
Where this trial is running
Taipei
- National Yang Ming Chiao Tung University — Taipei, Taiwan (Recruiting)
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.