Therapeutic Exercise for Rotator Cuff Tendinopathy / Subacromial Pain Syndrome - Outcomes and Mechanisms

Recruiting now · Not applicable

Conditions studied: Rotator Cuff Tendinosis, Rotator Cuff Tendinitis, Rotator Cuff Injuries, Subacromial Pain Syndrome

In brief

Rotator cuff tendinopathy, one of the pathologies identified as part of the cluster of shoulder symptoms known as subacromial pain syndrome, is a common musculoskeletal shoulder condition. Resolution of pain and disability is poor despite treatment, with only about 50% reporting full recovery at 12 - 18 months. Prior studies suggest therapeutic exercise when used alone and with other interventions can have positive outcomes; however, not all patients with rotator cuff tendinopathy respond. Few studies have assessed the effects of exercise for individuals with chronic pain, especially brain driven mechanisms, thought to play a key role. In this study, we will use brain imaging to understand the mechanisms, identify predictors of a positive response to exercise, and the relationship to biomechanical and pain-related factors in patients with RC tendinopathy. The findings from this study will optimize the delivery and treatment response to exercise for individuals with shoulder pain.

Key facts

Study ID: NCT04923477
Run by: University of Southern California
People needed: 60
Starts: 2021-06-08
Expected to finish: 2026-12-31
Last updated by the study team: 2026-02-03

Who can join

Age: 18 and older, up to 55. Sex: any. Healthy volunteers: not accepted.

You may qualify if…

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
pain ≥ 3/10 on a numeric pain rating scale
age: 18 - 45 years
Participant must read, sign and date the appropriate Informed consent document.
Participant BMI ≤ 30

You may not qualify if…

Insufficient ability to comprehend and complete the questionnaires,
Inability to attend sessions,
Prior surgery of shoulder, neck or thoracic spine,
Primary complaint of neck or thoracic pain,
Diagnosis of cervical spinal stenosis,
Any serious spinal and shoulder pathology: infections, arthrosis, rheumatic disorders, acute fractures, shoulder dislocation, osteoporosis, or tumors,
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,
two or more neurologic signs of nerve root compression to include myotomal weakness, positive muscle stretch reflex, and dermatomal sensory loss,
any shoulder or arm pain with cervical spine tests of Spurling's Test, cervical rotation to the ipsilateral side, or axial compression test, or
primary adhesive capsulitis defined by passive range of motion loss >50% as compared bilaterally of shoulder external rotation, internal rotation, or elevation.
Has a device or other condition that is not safe for MRI, including pacemakers.

Where it is running

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

Full record on ClinicalTrials.gov

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