Rigid taping for acromioclavicular (AC) joint degeneration
The Effect of Rigid Taping on Pain and Function in Individuals With Acromioclavicular Joint
We will try rigid taping plus a standard exercise program to see if it reduces shoulder pain and improves motion and function in adults aged 18–65 with imaging-confirmed AC joint degeneration.
Quick facts
| Phase | Not applicable |
|---|---|
| Study type | Interventional |
| Enrollment | 28 (estimated) |
| Ages | 18 Years to 65 Years |
| Sex | All |
| Sponsor | Hacettepe University Academic / other |
| Locations | 1 site (Ankara, Ankara) |
| Trial ID | NCT07333417 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
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.
Who should consider this trial
Good fit: Adults aged 18–65 with shoulder pain for at least four weeks and imaging-confirmed AC joint degeneration who can attend weekly visits and avoid other treatments during the study.
Not a fit: People with prior AC joint separation, frozen shoulder, recent shoulder fracture or surgery, systemic inflammatory arthritis, or skin conditions that prevent taping are unlikely to benefit from this intervention.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this could offer a low-cost, non-surgical way to reduce shoulder pain and improve function for people with AC joint degeneration.
How similar studies have performed: Small studies of taping for general shoulder pain have shown short-term symptom relief, but rigid taping specifically for AC joint degeneration is relatively untested and evidence is limited.
Eligibility criteria
Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
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 this trial is running
Ankara, Ankara
- 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
How to participate
- Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
- Visit the official trial page on ClinicalTrials.gov for the most current contact information and recruitment status.
- Contact the listed study coordinator or principal investigator to request pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.