Using EMG biofeedback and electrical stimulation to improve shoulder function after surgery

Electromyography Biofeedback and Neuromuscular Electrical Stimulation of Deltoid in Patients With Reverse Total Shoulder Arthroplasty

NA · National Taiwan University Hospital · NCT06873022

This study is testing if a combination of electrical stimulation and muscle feedback can help people recover better and move their shoulders more easily after shoulder surgery.

Quick facts

PhaseNA
Study typeInterventional
Enrollment34 (estimated)
Ages20 Years to 85 Years
SexAll
SponsorNational Taiwan University Hospital (other)
Locations1 site (Taipei, Zhongzheng Dist.)
Trial IDNCT06873022 on ClinicalTrials.gov

What this trial studies

This study investigates the effects of neuromuscular electrical stimulation (NMES) and surface electromyography (sEMG) biofeedback on the deltoid and associated scapular muscles in patients who have undergone reverse total shoulder arthroplasty (rTSA). The research aims to enhance scapular kinematics and muscle activation to prevent complications such as scapula notching. Participants will receive interventions designed to improve deltoid function and overall shoulder movement. The study will assess immediate effects on muscle activation and scapular movement patterns in individuals post-rTSA.

Who should consider this trial

Good fit: Ideal candidates are individuals aged 20 to 85 who are at least three months post-primary reverse shoulder arthroplasty and can achieve shoulder abduction above 90 degrees.

Not a fit: Patients with a history of other shoulder surgeries, neuromuscular diseases, or cognitive disorders may not benefit from this study.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this approach could significantly improve shoulder function and reduce complications for patients recovering from reverse shoulder replacement.

How similar studies have performed: While the specific combination of NMES and sEMG biofeedback in this context is novel, similar approaches have shown promise in enhancing muscle function in other rehabilitation settings.

Eligibility criteria

Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria:

* (1) age between 20 to 85 years old
* (2) undergoing primary reverse shoulder arthroplasty
* (3) shoulder abduction in scapular plane above 90 degrees
* (4) above 3 months following rTSA

Exclusion Criteria:

* (1) a history of other shoulder surgery on the rTSA shoulder
* (2) a revision rTSA
* (3) a surgery shoulder muscle tendon transfer
* (4) neuromuscular diseases
* (5) cognitive disorders
* (6) contraindications for NMES

Where this trial is running

Taipei, Zhongzheng Dist.

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.

View on ClinicalTrials.gov →

Conditions: Reverse Shoulder Replacement, reverse total shoulder arthroplasty, neuromuscular electrical stimulation, surface electromyography, biofeedback, scapulohumeral rhythm

Last reviewed 2026-05-15 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.