Effect of Blood Flow Restriction Training Versus Pilates on Shoulder Impingement Syndrome

Recruiting now · Not applicable

Conditions studied: Subacromial Impingement Syndrome

In brief

Subacromial impingement syndrome (SAIS) is the most common cause of shoulder pain, accounting for a large proportion of musculoskeletal complaints. It is characterized by narrowing of the subacromial space, leading to pain, weakness, limited range of motion, and impaired shoulder function. Muscle weakness, especially of the rotator cuff and scapular stabilizers, plays a major role in its pathomechanics. Although conventional strengthening exercises are effective, they are often delayed until pain subsides, which may prolong recovery. Blood Flow Restriction (BFR) training and Pilates exercises have recently emerged as promising approaches that may enhance strength and function during earlier, painful stages of rehabilitation. However, limited research has compared both interventions in patients with SAIS. Therefore, this study aims to compare the effectiveness of BFR training versus Pilates exercises, in addition to conventional therapy, on pain, function, range of motion, muscle strength, and proprioception in patients with painful SAIS.

Key facts

Study ID

NCT07608809

Run by

Cairo University

People needed

48

Starts

2026-05-23

Expected to finish

2027-01-15

Last updated by the study team

2026-05-27

Who can join

Age: 0 and older, up to 1. Sex: any. Healthy volunteers: not accepted.

You may qualify if…

• 1 - Age ranging from 18 to 55 years of both genders, with BMI ranging 18.5 to 29.9 Kg/m2 2. Clinically diagnosed with SIS, based on having ≥ 3 positive results of the following; pain during shoulder elevation and overhead activities, the painful arc, Neer impingement, Hawkins-Kennedy impingement, external rotation resistance, or empty can tests 3. Symptoms duration between 4 to 12 weeks (subacute and chronic phases)
• pain level should be ranged from 3 to 8 on the VAS .

You may not qualify if…

• 1 - History of shoulder surgery, traumatic injury or systematic diseases 2. Any cervical problems as cervical disc \& any patient with radioculopathy. 3. Pregnancy. 4. Acute stage of subacromial impingement syndrome 5. Full thickness tear confirmed by the orthopaedist. 6. subjects shouldn't receive any physical therapy sessions in the past 3 months to minimize any confounders to treatment.

Where it is running

• Faculty of physical therapy, Rashid university — Rāshid, Egypt (enrolling)

Full record on ClinicalTrials.gov

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