Kinetic chain approach for treating rotator cuff tendinopathy

Effectiveness of Kinetic Chain Approach for Rotator Cuff Tendinopathy

NA · Riphah International University · NCT06838767

This study is testing if a new treatment method that focuses on the whole body can help people with rotator cuff tendinopathy feel less pain and move better when combined with standard care.

Quick facts

PhaseNA
Study typeInterventional
Enrollment44 (estimated)
Ages45 Years to 60 Years
SexAll
SponsorRiphah International University (other)
Locations1 site (Islamabad, Punjab)
Trial IDNCT06838767 on ClinicalTrials.gov

What this trial studies

This research aims to evaluate the effectiveness of a kinetic chain approach combined with conventional treatment for patients suffering from rotator cuff tendinopathy. The study involves a randomized controlled trial with 44 participants, divided into two groups: one receiving conventional treatment and the other receiving the kinetic chain approach alongside conventional treatment. The trial will assess outcomes related to pain, functional disability, and kinesiophobia over a duration of six months. Participants must meet specific diagnostic criteria related to shoulder impingement tests.

Who should consider this trial

Good fit: Ideal candidates are males and females aged 40 to 65 years with clinically diagnosed rotator cuff tendinopathy in the acute or sub-acute stage.

Not a fit: Patients with cervical radiculopathy, previous shoulder surgery, or full thickness rotator cuff tears may not benefit from this study.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this approach could significantly reduce pain and improve functional outcomes for patients with rotator cuff tendinopathy.

How similar studies have performed: While the kinetic chain approach is a novel method in this context, similar studies have shown promise in improving outcomes for musculoskeletal conditions.

Eligibility criteria

Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria:

* Both male and female.
* Age between 40 to 65 years.
* Clinically diagnosed and Patients who meet the diagnostic criteria ≥ three positives in five shoulder impingement tests: Neer's sign, Hawkins and Kennedy test, Empty Can test, painful arc of abduction, and external rotation (ER) resistance test (14)
* Patients in acute (4 weeks) and sub-acute stage (4-6 weeks).
* Patients with positive scapular assistance test (SAT) and scapular retraction test (SRT).

Exclusion Criteria:

* Patients with Cervical radiculopathy or previous shoulder surgery.

  * Any Participants with a full thickness tear of rotator cuff tendon.
  * History of glenohumeral dislocation, or other traumatic injury to the shoulder
  * Diagnosed patients of rheumatoid arthritis and osteoarthritis.
  * Hemiplegia affecting the shoulder and lower extremity
  * A complex myofascial pain syndrome.
  * History of significant lower extremity problems, including severe joint pain, recent fractures, or major musculoskeletal disorders (e.g. chronic ligament injuries)

Where this trial is running

Islamabad, Punjab

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.

View on ClinicalTrials.gov →

Conditions: Rotator Cuff Tendinopathy, Rotator cuff injury, kinetic chain approach, pain, functional disability, kinesiophobia

Last reviewed 2026-05-15 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.