Shoulder and trunk movement and muscle activity during the tennis serve in players with shoulder pain
Official title: Kinematics and Muscle Activity During the Tennis Serve and Musculoskeletal Characteristics in Tennis Players With Subacromial Pain Syndrome or History of Shoulder Pain
Run by National Yang Ming Chiao Tung University · NCT07543484 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study tests whether shoulder and trunk movements and shoulder muscle activity during the tennis serve differ between amateur tennis players with subacromial pain syndrome or a history of shoulder pain and those without pain.
Quick facts
| Study type | Observational |
|---|---|
| Ages | 18 Years to 40 Years |
| Sex | All |
| Enrollment | 60 (estimated) |
| Sponsor | National Yang Ming Chiao Tung University Academic / other |
| Locations | 1 site (Taipei) |
| Status | Recruiting |
| Started | January 29, 2026 |
| Main results expected | January 29, 2027 |
| Study ends | January 29, 2027 |
| Registry record updated | April 22, 2026 |
| Trial ID | NCT07543484 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
Is this trial a fit for you?
✓Likely a good fit
Ideal candidates are amateur tennis players (NTRP ≥ 3.5) with ≥ 3 years of playing experience, current or former school team members, training ≥ 4 hours per week, with or without shoulder pain.
✕Probably not a fit
Players with prior shoulder surgery, recent major trauma, or current musculoskeletal injuries that prevent executing a full serve are not eligible and are unlikely to benefit from participation.
A plain-English reading of the study's rules. Only the study team can confirm whether you qualify.
What this trial studies
This observational study will recruit about 60 amateur tennis players who train at least 4 hours per week and have an NTRP level of 3.5 or higher. Participants will undergo motion-capture and surface electromyography (EMG) while performing tennis serves to measure shoulder and trunk kinematics and shoulder muscle activation, together with clinical musculoskeletal measurements. Players with subacromial pain syndrome or a history of shoulder pain will be compared to players without such pain to identify movement or activation patterns linked to pain. Exclusion criteria include prior shoulder surgery, recent major trauma, or any current injury that prevents full-skill serving.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, the results could help coaches and clinicians design better training and rehabilitation to reduce shoulder pain and lower the risk of future shoulder injuries in tennis players.
How similar studies have gone: Some prior work has examined shoulder kinematics and EMG in overhead athletes, but few studies have specifically examined the tennis serve or players with subacromial pain syndrome, so this approach is only partially explored.
Who can join: the full rules
Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria: * Amateur tennis players * National Tennis Rating Program (NTRP) should level ≥ 3.5 * Training experience: ≥ 3 years, current or former school team players * Training volume: ≥ 4 hours/week Exclusion Criteria: * Any current musculoskeletal injuries preventing maximum skill execution at the time of testing * Previously had any form of surgery or trauma * Patient-reported pain that will inhibit participation in this study
Where it's running
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No. 155, Sec. 2, Linong St. Beitou Dist., Taipei City 112304, Taiwan
Taipei, Taiwan Recruiting
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How to take part
- Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
- Check the official listing on ClinicalTrials.gov for the latest contact details and recruitment status.
- Contact the study coordinator or principal investigator to ask for pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.