Targeted strengthening for the shoulder muscles that pull the upper arm down after reverse shoulder replacement

The Effect of Strengthening Exercises for Humeral Head Depressor Muscles on Clinical Outcomes After Reverse Shoulder Arthroplasty

Not applicable Interventional Hacettepe University · NCT07309796

This trial will test whether adding targeted strengthening exercises for specific shoulder depressor muscles to standard rehabilitation helps people recovering from reverse shoulder replacement reduce pain and improve motion and daily function.

Quick facts

PhaseNot applicable
Study typeInterventional
Enrollment27 (estimated)
Ages65 Years to 90 Years
SexAll
SponsorHacettepe University Academic / other
Locations1 site (Kırşehir)
Trial IDNCT07309796 on ClinicalTrials.gov

What this trial studies

This is a randomized controlled trial comparing standard postoperative rehabilitation alone to standard rehabilitation plus a specific strengthening program for the humeral head depressor muscles (for example latissimus dorsi, teres major, infraspinatus). Participants are adults undergoing primary reverse total shoulder arthroplasty with an intact teres minor and the ability to participate in physiotherapy or a home exercise program. The study will measure pain, shoulder range of motion, functional outcomes, quality of life, and psychological well-being to determine whether the added strengthening yields better recovery. The experimental group receives the additional depressor muscle strengthening protocol while the control group follows the conventional rehabilitation protocol only.

Who should consider this trial

Good fit: Ideal candidates are adults scheduled for a primary reverse total shoulder arthroplasty with an intact teres minor who can participate in supervised physiotherapy or a home exercise program and can read and follow written instructions.

Not a fit: Patients with active infection, deltoid muscle insufficiency, prior shoulder arthroplasty on the same side, inability or unwillingness to comply with the exercise program or randomization, or who cannot read/understand instructions are unlikely to benefit from this specific intervention.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, patients could experience less pain, greater shoulder range of motion, and improved ability to perform daily activities after reverse shoulder replacement.

How similar studies have performed: Existing research specifically targeting humeral head depressor strengthening after reverse shoulder arthroplasty is limited, so this approach is relatively untested though it builds on general rehabilitation principles.

Eligibility criteria

Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria:

* Patients scheduled for primary reverse total shoulder arthroplasty Intact teres minor confirmed by physical examination (Hornblower's test) and intraoperative assessment Ability to participate in physiotherapy or a home exercise program

Exclusion Criteria:

* Active infection Deltoid muscle insufficiency Inability or unwillingness to comply with randomization Prior shoulder arthroplasty on the same side Unwillingness to participate Inability to read or understand written instructions

Where this trial is running

Kırşehir

Study contacts

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 Reverse Shoulder ArthroplastyDepressor Muscle TrainingShoulder RehabilitationReverse shoulder arthroplastyDepressor muscle training. ShoulderArthroplasty
Last reviewed 2026-06-13 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.