Therapeutic exercise for shoulder pain relief

Mechanisms of Exercise for Rotator Cuff Tendinopathy / Subacromial Pain Syndrome

This study tests whether specific exercises can help people with shoulder pain feel better and understand how these exercises work in the body.

Quick facts

• Phase: Not applicable
• Study type: Interventional
• Enrollment: 60 (estimated)
• Ages: 18 Years to 55 Years
• Sex: All
• Sponsor: University of Southern California (Academic / other)
• Locations: 1 site (Los Angeles, California)
• Trial ID: NCT04923477 on ClinicalTrials.gov

What this trial studies

This study investigates the effectiveness of therapeutic exercise for patients suffering from rotator cuff tendinopathy and subacromial pain syndrome. It aims to understand the underlying mechanisms of pain relief through brain imaging and identify predictors of positive responses to exercise. The research will focus on the relationship between biomechanical factors and pain-related issues in individuals with chronic shoulder pain. By optimizing exercise delivery, the study seeks to improve treatment outcomes for affected patients.

Who should consider this trial

Good fit: Ideal candidates are adults aged 18 to 45 with a clinical diagnosis of rotator cuff tendinopathy and moderate pain levels.

Not a fit: Patients with prior shoulder surgeries or serious spinal and shoulder pathologies may not benefit from this study.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this study could lead to more effective exercise-based treatments for individuals with chronic shoulder pain.

How similar studies have performed: Previous studies have shown positive outcomes with therapeutic exercise for similar conditions, but this study aims to explore novel mechanisms not extensively researched.

Eligibility criteria

Inclusion Criteria:

1. the clinical diagnosis for RC tendinopathy will be made with positive 3 of 5 tests: Hawkins-Kennedy, Neer, painful arc, empty can, external rotation resistance test
2. pain ≥ 3/10 on a numeric pain rating scale
3. age: 18 - 45 years
4. Participant must read, sign and date the appropriate Informed consent document.
5. Participant BMI ≤ 30

Exclusion Criteria:

1. Insufficient ability to comprehend and complete the questionnaires,
2. Inability to attend sessions,
3. Prior surgery of shoulder, neck or thoracic spine,
4. Primary complaint of neck or thoracic pain,
5. Diagnosis of cervical spinal stenosis,
6. Any serious spinal and shoulder pathology: infections, arthrosis, rheumatic disorders, acute fractures, shoulder dislocation, osteoporosis, or tumors,
7. Central Nervous System involvement, to include hyperreflexia, sensory disturbances in the hand, intrinsic muscle wasting of the hands, unsteadiness during walking, nystagmus, loss of visual acuity, impaired sensation of the face, altered taste, the presence of pathological reflexes (i.e. positive Hoffman and/or Babinski reflexes,
8. two or more neurologic signs of nerve root compression to include myotomal weakness, positive muscle stretch reflex, and dermatomal sensory loss,
9. any shoulder or arm pain with cervical spine tests of Spurling's Test, cervical rotation to the ipsilateral side, or axial compression test, or
10. primary adhesive capsulitis defined by passive range of motion loss \>50% as compared bilaterally of shoulder external rotation, internal rotation, or elevation.
11. Has a device or other condition that is not safe for MRI, including pacemakers.

Where this trial is running

Los Angeles, California

• Clinical Biomechanics Orthopedic and Sports Outcomes Research Laboratory — Los Angeles, California, United States (Recruiting)

Study contacts

• Principal investigator: Lori A Michener, PT, ATC, PhD — University of Southern California
• Study coordinator: Lori A Michener, PT, ATC, PhD

Conditions Rotator Cuff Tendinosis; Rotator Cuff Tendinitis; Rotator Cuff Injuries; Subacromial Pain Syndrome