Rigid taping for acromioclavicular (AC) joint degeneration

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

Adults with shoulder pain and imaging-confirmed acromioclavicular joint degeneration are randomly assigned to rigid taping plus a standardized exercise program or to the same exercise program without taping. The intervention lasts four weeks with weekly supervised visits and a standardized home exercise component. Outcomes include pain, shoulder range of motion, and shoulder function measured at baseline, after the first session (to detect acute effects), at the end of treatment (week 4), and at a 3-month follow-up. Key eligibility criteria require at least four weeks of symptoms and exclude prior AC separation, adhesive capsulitis, significant shoulder trauma or surgery, systemic inflammatory arthropathy, and skin conditions preventing taping.

Why it matters

Who can join: the full rules

Inclusion Criteria:

* A clinical diagnosis of acromioclavicular (AC) joint degeneration confirmed by clinical examination and imaging (X-ray, ultrasound, or MRI).
* Shoulder pain duration of at least 4 weeks.
* Age between 18 and 65 years
* Willingness to refrain from any additional treatments outside the study protocol during the study period (e.g., medication changes, injections, or physiotherapy elsewhere) and to provide written informed consent

Exclusion Criteria:

* Current or previous diagnosis/history of acromioclavicular (AC) joint separation.
* Diagnosis of frozen shoulder (adhesive capsulitis).
* History of acute trauma or fracture involving the shoulder girdle (e.g., clavicle fracture, shoulder dislocation).
* History of shoulder surgery.
* Systemic inflammatory joint disease (e.g., rheumatoid arthritis) or other systemic arthropathies.
* Skin conditions preventing taping (e.g., rash, open wound, or known tape allergy).
* Neuromuscular disease or neurological disorders affecting shoulder function

Where it's running

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

Study contacts

• Study coordinator: Irem Duzgun, PhD, Prof
• Email: iremduzgun@hacettepe.edu.tr
• Phone: +90 (312) 305 15 74

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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.