Treatment for Shoulder Impingement Syndrome using Graded Motor Imagery

The Effectiveness of Graded Motor Imagery Therapy Applied in Addition to the Traditional Physiotherapy Program in Shoulder Impingement Syndrome

Not applicable Interventional Acibadem University · NCT06092502

This study is testing if combining a new treatment called graded motor imagery with regular physiotherapy can help people with long-lasting shoulder pain feel better and move more easily.

Quick facts

PhaseNot applicable
Study typeInterventional
Enrollment30 (estimated)
Ages20 Years to 50 Years
SexAll
SponsorAcibadem University Academic / other
Locations1 site (Istanbul)
Trial IDNCT06092502 on ClinicalTrials.gov

What this trial studies

This study investigates the effectiveness of graded motor imagery (GMI) combined with traditional physiotherapy for patients suffering from shoulder impingement syndrome. GMI is a holistic treatment approach that addresses pain and movement issues based on recent scientific findings. The study aims to provide a structured rehabilitation process tailored to individual needs, focusing on patients with chronic shoulder pain lasting more than six weeks. The research will evaluate the outcomes of this combined treatment method in alleviating symptoms and improving shoulder function.

Who should consider this trial

Good fit: Ideal candidates are individuals aged 20-50 experiencing shoulder pain in the anterio-lateral region for over six weeks, with specific positive clinical tests.

Not a fit: Patients who have had recent steroid injections, previous shoulder surgeries, or certain medical conditions may not benefit from this study.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this approach could significantly reduce shoulder pain and improve mobility for patients with impingement syndrome.

How similar studies have performed: There is limited existing literature on the combined use of GMI and traditional physiotherapy for shoulder pain, making this approach relatively novel.

Eligibility criteria

Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria:

* 20-50 years of age with complaints of shoulder pain in the anterio-lateral region lasting more than 6 weeks, with a positive Neer impingement test and/or a positive Hawkins-Kennedy test
* Additionally, patients must have at least one of the symptoms listed. These symptoms are: painful arch on active shoulder elevation, pain with resisted shoulder external rotation in abduction at 90°, and a positive empty can test.

Exclusion Criteria:

* Having had a steroid injection into the shoulder within the last 3 months

  * Previous surgery on the neck, thoracic spine or shoulder
  * Red flags (e.g. tumor, fracture, metabolic diseases, rheumatoid arthritis, osteoporosis, resting blood pressure greater than 140/90 mmHg, history of long-term steroid use)
  * History of shoulder dislocation, subluxation, fracture, adhesive capsulitis, frozen shoulder, or cervical or thoracic surgery
  * History of full-thickness rotator cuff tear
  * History of cervical disc herniation in the last 6 weeks
  * History of breast cancer on the involved side
  * Isolated acromioclavicular joint pathology (i.e., pain directly localized over the acromioclavicular joint).
  * Signs of cervical radiculopathy, radiculitis, or referred pain originating from the cervical spine
  * Receiving treatment for shoulder pain in the last 3 months
  * Being currently pregnant (Dunning, 2022)
  * Scoring ≤24 on the Standardized Mini Mental Test was determined.

Where this trial is running

Istanbul

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 PainShoulder Impingement Syndromegraded motor imagery
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.