Neuropathic features in subacromial shoulder pain

Descriptors of Neuropathic Pain and Its Association With Central Sensitization in Subacromial Pain Syndrome

Observational Izmir City Hospital · NCT07057128

This project will test whether adults with subacromial shoulder pain lasting at least three months have neuropathic pain features and signs of central sensitization.

Quick facts

Study typeObservational
Enrollment82 (estimated)
Ages19 Years and up
SexAll
SponsorIzmir City Hospital Government
Locations1 site (Izmir, İzmir)
Trial IDNCT07057128 on ClinicalTrials.gov

What this trial studies

This single-center observational project will enroll 82 adults seen in the Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation outpatient clinic at Izmir City Hospital who have had shoulder pain for at least three months. After informed consent, participants complete validated questionnaires including the Visual Analog Scale (VAS) for pain, painDETECT for neuropathic descriptors, the Central Sensitization Inventory (CSI), and the Shoulder Pain and Disability Index (SPADI), and range of motion is measured with a goniometer. No imaging or invasive procedures are performed; investigators will use painDETECT and CSI results to examine the presence or absence of seven neuropathic pain descriptors and their relationship to central sensitization in subacromial pain syndrome. The goal is to characterize neuropathic and sensitization patterns in this patient group to inform clinical care.

Who should consider this trial

Good fit: Adults aged 19 or older with a clinical diagnosis of subacromial pain syndrome, shoulder pain for at least three months, VAS ≥3 in the past week, and positive Hawkins-Kennedy, painful arc, and infraspinatus muscle strength tests are the intended participants.

Not a fit: Patients with inflammatory shoulder disease, neurological disorders, prior shoulder surgery, structural shoulder pathology or full-thickness rotator cuff tears, loss of passive range of motion, muscle strength loss, upper-extremity neurodeficit, cancer or active infection, or recent use of neuropathic pain medications are excluded and unlikely to benefit from participation.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, findings could help clinicians recognize neuropathic pain and central sensitization in subacromial pain syndrome and guide more targeted treatments.

How similar studies have performed: Prior observational studies in chronic shoulder pain and other musculoskeletal conditions have reported neuropathic descriptors and central sensitization, but applying these specific questionnaires to characterize seven descriptors in SAPS is relatively limited.

Eligibility criteria

Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria:

1. Clinical diagnosis of subacromial pain syndrome (SAPS)
2. Age ≥ 19 years
3. Shoulder pain lasting for at least 3 months
4. Shoulder pain intensity rated as 3 or higher on the Visual Analog Scale (VAS) in the past week
5. Positive findings on the following clinical tests:

Hawkins-Kennedy test Painful arc test Infraspinatus muscle strength test

Exclusion Criteria:

1. History of inflammatory disease involving the shoulder joint
2. History of neurological disorders
3. History of prior shoulder surgery
4. Positive drop arm test
5. Loss of passive range of motion in the shoulder joint
6. Presence of muscle strength loss
7. Structurally confirmed shoulder pathology based on imaging studies
8. Full-thickness tear of the rotator cuff muscles
9. Presence of neurodeficit in the upper extremity
10. Diagnosis of cancer or active infection
11. Use of medications for neuropathic pain within the past 3 months for any reason

Where this trial is running

Izmir, İzmir

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.
Conditions Neuropathic PainCentral SensitizationSubacromial Pain Syndrome
Last reviewed 2026-06-15 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.