Training to improve diaphragm strength and reduce shoulder pain in tennis players

Effects of Inspiratory Muscle Training on Diaphragm Thickness, Inspiratory Muscle Strength and Non-especific Shoulder Pain in Federated Tennis Player

Not applicable Interventional Universidad Francisco de Vitoria · NCT06186180

This study is testing if special breathing exercises can help tennis players with shoulder pain get stronger and feel better.

Quick facts

PhaseNot applicable
Study typeInterventional
Enrollment40 (estimated)
Ages18 Years to 50 Years
SexAll
SponsorUniversidad Francisco de Vitoria Academic / other
Locations2 sites (Pozuelo De Alarcón, Madrid and 1 other locations)
Trial IDNCT06186180 on ClinicalTrials.gov

What this trial studies

This clinical trial investigates the effects of inspiratory muscle training on diaphragm thickness, inspiratory muscle strength, and shoulder pain in adult tennis players suffering from non-specific shoulder pain. The study involves a single-blind, randomized controlled design where participants will be assigned to either an experimental group receiving the training or a control group. The intervention will last for 8 weeks, focusing on enhancing trunk stability and addressing shoulder pain through targeted muscle training. The trial aims to provide insights into the relationship between diaphragm function and shoulder health in athletes.

Who should consider this trial

Good fit: Ideal candidates are adult tennis players experiencing non-specific shoulder pain who train at least twice a week.

Not a fit: Patients with previous shoulder surgeries, respiratory or neurological diseases, or those unable to follow study instructions may not benefit from this study.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this study could lead to improved treatment strategies for shoulder pain in tennis players, enhancing their performance and quality of life.

How similar studies have performed: While the specific approach of inspiratory muscle training for shoulder pain in tennis players is novel, related studies have shown positive outcomes in improving muscle function and reducing pain in similar populations.

Eligibility criteria

Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria:

* tennis player who suffered from inespecific shoulder pain
* training at least two times per week
* Have experienced at least 1 episode of non-specific shoulder pain in the last month
* A positive result on diagnostic tests performed: Neer Test and Jobe Test

Exclusion Criteria:

* Having taken anti-inflammatories or muscle relaxants within the last 72 hours before the study
* pregnancy
* Previous diagnosis of respiratory or neurological diseases
* Previous surgeries, fractures, and dislocations in the dominant shoulder
* Inability to follow instructions during the study
* All those for whom measuring maximum inspiratory pressure is contraindicated: unstable angina, recent myocardial infarction (within 4 weeks of the event) or myocarditis, uncontrolled systemic hypertension, recent pneumothorax, post-lung biopsy surgery of less than one week, postoperative abdominal or genitourinary surgery of less than 6 months, and urinary incontinence

Where this trial is running

Pozuelo De Alarcón, Madrid and 1 other locations

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 Shoulder PainInspiratory Muscle Training
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.