Effects of Dry Needling in Athletes With Subacromial Pain Syndrome

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Conditions studied: Subacromial Pain Syndrome

In brief

The goal of this clinical trial is to evaluate whether dry needling combined with therapeutic exercise improves shoulder proprioception in amateur athletes with subacromial pain syndrome. The study will also assess its effects on dynamic stability, strength, pain, and functional disability. The main questions this study aims to answer are: Does dry needling improve shoulder proprioception compared with therapeutic exercise alone? Does dry needling improve dynamic shoulder stability and muscle strength? Does dry needling reduce pain and upper limb disability? Researchers will compare a group receiving dry needling plus therapeutic exercise with a group performing therapeutic exercise alone to determine whether the combined intervention produces better outcomes. Participants will: Be randomly assigned to one of the two treatment groups. Perform a home-based therapeutic exercise program for 3 weeks. Complete assessments of proprioception, dynamic stability, strength, pain, and functional disability before and after the intervention.

Key facts

Study ID

NCT07621016

Run by

Universidad Europea de Valencia

People needed

40

Starts

2026-06-01

Expected to finish

2027-03-01

Last updated by the study team

2026-06-05

Who can join

Age: 18 and older, up to 40. Sex: any. Healthy volunteers: not accepted.

You may qualify if…

• Men and women aged between 18 and 40 years.
• Clinical diagnosis of subacromial pain syndrome (SAPS) according to the Dutch Orthopaedic Association criteria: presence of a painful arc and at least two positive tests among the following: Hawkins-Kennedy test, Neer sign, Jobe test, Drop Arm test, or Gerber test.
• Participation in sports involving predominant upper-limb activity between 2 and 4 hours per week.

You may not qualify if…

• Previous surgery involving the upper extremities.
• Diagnosis of specific shoulder pathologies other than SAPS at the time of the study.
• Receipt of medical or physiotherapy treatment within the month prior to the intervention.
• Needle phobia or refusal to receive dry needling treatment.
• Presence of vestibular disorders, balance impairments, or vascular alterations that could interfere with study measurements.
• Confirmed or suspected pregnancy.

Where it is running

• Clínica Dr Villarón — Valencia, Valencia, Spain

Full record on ClinicalTrials.gov

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