Kettlebell training for rotator cuff–related shoulder pain

Is this trial a fit for you?

A plain-English reading of the study's rules. Only the study team can confirm whether you qualify.

What this trial studies

This interventional trial enrolls people with rotator cuff–related shoulder pain and assigns them to 8 weeks of kettlebell exercises or a standard exercise rehabilitation program. Pain, shoulder-specific function measures, and performance tests are collected before and after the intervention to compare effects between groups. Eligible participants are typically active athletes with at least 3 years of sports participation and a Tegner Activity Scale score of 5 or higher, and may include those with rotator cuff tendinopathy or small tears (<1 cm). The study excludes individuals with prior shoulder fracture or surgery, adhesive capsulitis, major instability, limited passive range of motion, or neurologic signs.

Why it matters

Who can join: the full rules

Inclusion Criteria:

* Individuals who are willing to participate and have been doing licensed/unlicensed amateur or professional sports for at least 3 years,
* Individuals with Tegner Activity Scale ≥ 5,
* A history of shoulder pain of at least 6 weeks,
* At least 3 points measured using the 0 to 10 point Numerical Pain Scale (NPS),
* Shoulder pain that worsens with resisted shoulder flexion, abduction or external rotation,
* Rotator cuff tendinopathies,
* Tears smaller than 1 cm,
* Secondary shoulder instability without major trauma (due to rotator cuff muscle weakness, etc.)

Exclusion Criteria:

* History of fracture and/or surgery in the shoulder area,
* Adhesive capsulitis,
* Those with passive joint range of motion deficit,
* Individuals with a positive Apprehension Test and/or Sulcus Sign test and multidirectional shoulder instability,
* Numbness or tingling in the upper extremity with cervical compression test or upper extremity compression test,
* Systemic or neurological disease,
* Corticosteroid injection within 3 months before the intervention,
* Physical therapy in the 6 months before the intervention,
* Those with a history of dislocation and subluxation,
* Those who are pregnant,
* Those who did not participate in the study for 2 consecutive sessions

Where it's running

• Fenerbahce University
  Istanbul, Turkey (Türkiye) Recruiting
• Hacettepe University
  Ankara, Turkey (Türkiye) Not yet recruiting

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How to take part

1. Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
2. Check the official listing on ClinicalTrials.gov for the latest contact details and recruitment status.
3. Contact the study coordinator or principal investigator to ask for pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.