Forearm Muscle and Tendon Thickness in Rotator Cuff-Related Shoulder Pain

Starting soon

Conditions studied: Rotator Cuff Syndrome

In brief

Rotator cuff-related shoulder pain (RCRSP) is one of the most common musculoskeletal disorders affecting the shoulder and is frequently associated with pain, reduced muscle strength, and impaired upper extremity function. Although previous studies have primarily focused on structural and functional changes around the shoulder, little is known about the potential adaptations occurring in the distal upper extremity, particularly the forearm muscles and tendons. Altered upper extremity use, pain-related muscle inhibition, and compensatory movement patterns associated with prolonged shoulder pain may lead to morphological changes in the forearm musculature and tendons. However, the relationship between symptom duration and these structural adaptations has not yet been investigated. The aim of this cross-sectional study is to evaluate forearm muscle and tendon thickness using portable ultrasonography in individuals with RCRSP and to investigate whether these parameters differ according to symptom duration. In addition, hand grip strength, pain intensity, and upper extremity function will be assessed to explore their associations with ultrasonographic findings. The findings of this study are expected to provide new insights into distal upper extremity adaptations associated with RCRSP and may contribute to the development of more comprehensive rehabilitation strategies that address not only the shoulder but also the forearm musculature.

Key facts

Study ID

NCT07662772

Run by

Kirsehir Ahi Evran Universitesi

People needed

90

Starts

2026-07-18

Expected to finish

2026-12-19

Last updated by the study team

2026-06-23

Who can join

Age: 18 and older, up to 65. Sex: any. Healthy volunteers: accepted.

You may qualify if…

• RCRSP Group Adults aged 18-65 years. Clinical diagnosis of rotator cuff-related shoulder pain (RCRSP). Unilateral shoulder pain lasting at least 6 weeks. Pain localized around the anterolateral shoulder, aggravated by arm elevation and/or overhead activities.
• Positive findings on at least three clinical tests suggestive of RCRSP (e.g., painful arc, Hawkins-Kennedy test, Neer test, Jobe/Empty Can test, resisted external rotation).
• Ability to understand the study procedures and provide written informed consent.
• Healthy Control Group Adults aged 18-65 years. No current shoulder pain. No history of shoulder pain, shoulder surgery, or upper extremity musculoskeletal disorders during the previous 12 months.
• Ability to provide written informed consent.

You may not qualify if…

• Previous shoulder surgery on either upper extremity. History of shoulder fracture, shoulder dislocation, or major upper extremity trauma.
• Full-thickness rotator cuff tear or other shoulder pathology requiring surgical management.
• Clinical signs of adhesive capsulitis. Cervical radiculopathy or other neurological disorders affecting the upper extremity.
• Systemic inflammatory, rheumatologic, or neuromuscular diseases. Peripheral nerve entrapment (e.g., carpal tunnel syndrome, cubital tunnel syndrome).
• Previous surgery or significant injury involving the forearm, wrist, or hand. Corticosteroid injection into the affected shoulder within the previous 3 months.
• Current pregnancy. Inability to complete study assessments or provide informed consent.

Full record on ClinicalTrials.gov

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