Comparison of Dynamic Ultrasound Visual Feedback to Manual Feedback on Scapular Stabilizer Activation and Change in the Subacromial Space in Persons With Pain During Shoulder Elevation

Enrolling by invitation · Not applicable

Conditions studied: Subacromial Impingement Syndrome, Apical Shoulder Pain, Rotator Cuff Syndrome

In brief

Purpose of the Study This study looks at whether using real-time ultrasound images as feedback can help people better activate two important shoulder muscles-the serratus anterior and lower trapezius-compared to standard verbal or visual feedback from a clinician. The study also examines whether this training carries over to everyday arm movements and whether it helps create more space inside the shoulder joint. Why This Matters Shoulder pain is very common. One possible cause is poor movement or poor muscle control of the shoulder blade, which can reduce the space under the shoulder and lead to pain. The serratus anterior and lower trapezius muscles help the shoulder blade move correctly when lifting the arm. Improving how these muscles work may reduce pain and improve shoulder function. How the Study Is Done People with shoulder pain will take part in the study in a university laboratory. They will be randomly placed into one of two groups: One group will receive muscle training with ultrasound images that show their muscles working in real time. The other group will receive standard feedback without ultrasound. Participants will perform specific shoulder exercises targeting the two muscles. Muscle activity will be measured before and after training using specialized sensors. The researchers will also see if the muscle training improves muscle use during a more functional movement, such as lifting the arm to shoulder height. In addition, ultrasound will be used to measure the space inside the shoulder joint before and after training. Why This Is Important for Care If ultrasound feedback is shown to be effective, it could give physical therapists and other clinicians a new tool to help patients better activate key shoulder muscles. This may improve treatment options for people with shoulder pain, especially pain at the top of the shoulder.

Key facts

Study ID

NCT07464639

Run by

California State University, Long Beach

People needed

26

Starts

2026-01-30

Expected to finish

2028-02-01

Last updated by the study team

2026-03-11

Who can join

Age: 18 and older, up to 70. Sex: any. Healthy volunteers: not accepted.

You may qualify if…

• Subjects with apical shoulder pain
• Pain level >2 on the numeric pain rating scale
• Able to elevate shoulder beyond 140º
• Able to perform all research activities without difficulty

You may not qualify if…

• Experience shoulder pain > 6 on the numeric pain rating scale
• Presence of a known neurological disorder
• Shoulder pain only elicited with neck movements
• History of shoulder fracture or surgery involving the glenohumeral joint capsule
• Diagnosis of adhesive capsulitis
• Previously received treatment for the scapular upward rotators

Where it is running

• Pathokinesiology Research Laboratory — Long Beach, California, United States

Full record on ClinicalTrials.gov

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