Latissimus dorsi strengthening for rotator cuff tendinopathy

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 study randomizes 47 adults aged 18–50 with rotator cuff tendinopathy into three groups: rotator cuff–only strengthening, latissimus dorsi–only strengthening, or a combined program, over 12 weeks. Outcomes include changes in acromiohumeral distance, shoulder function, and pain. The trial aims to see if increasing latissimus dorsi activation improves subacromial space and clinical symptoms by promoting humeral head inferior glide. Eligibility requires ultrasound-confirmed tendinopathy, persistent activity-related pain, and specific shoulder exam criteria. The study is conducted at Hacettepe University in Ankara under a single lead sponsor.

Why it matters

Who can join: the full rules

Inclusion Criteria:

* Age between 18 and 50 years
* At least 3 months of ongoing shoulder pain
* At least 3 positive tests out of 5 (Neer, Hawkins-Kennedy, Jobe, Painful Arc Sign, Pain on Resisted External Rotation)
* Ultrasound diagnosis of rotator cuff tendinopathy
* Shoulder pain during activity rated greater than 3 out of 10 on the Numeric Pain Scale
* Central Sensitization Inventory score below 40

Exclusion Criteria:

* Bilateral shoulder pain
* History of surgery or dislocation in the symptomatic shoulder
* Acromioclavicular degeneration
* Presence of shoulder capsulitis (restriction in passive glenohumeral range of motion in 2 or more directions)
* Full-thickness rotator cuff tear
* Shoulder osteoarthritis, rheumatoid arthritis, systemic inflammatory or neurological disease
* Any injection to the symptomatic shoulder within the past 6 weeks
* BMI greater than 30 kg/m2
* Refusal to participate in the study

Where it's running

• Hacettepe University Faculty of Physical Therapy and Rehabilitation
  Ankara, Turkey (Türkiye) Recruiting

Study contacts

• Study coordinator: Kubra Caylan Gurses, Msc
• Email: caylankubra@gmail.com
• Phone: +905304790996

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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.