Differences in Exercise-induced Hypoalgesia After a Session With Different Blood Flow Restriction Protocols in People With Rotator Cuff-related Shoulder Pain

What this Trial Is About

Researchers are investigating how different blood flow restriction (BFR) exercise protocols affect pain relief and exercise tolerance in people with rotator cuff-related shoulder pain. This study compares four single exercise sessions varying in intensity (30% repetition maximum) and arterial occlusion pressure (30%, 50%, 70%, and a sham without pressure) to understand their impact on acute pain reduction. Participants will perform three specific shoulder exercises—external rotation, internal rotation, and elevation in the scapular plane—in four different sessions. Each session involves 4 sets with repetitions to fatigue at 30% repetition maximum, combined with varying blood flow restrictions or a sham cuff. Rest periods of 30 seconds between sets and 2 minutes between exercises are included. The sessions are randomized and double-blinded to compare the effects of the different BFR intensities. During the study, participants will have their pain intensity at rest and during movement measured using a visual analogue scale. Researchers will also assess pressure pain threshold, exercise tolerance, muscle activity through surface electromyography, and monitor for adverse effects immediately after and up to 24 hours post-intervention. Each participant completes all four exercise sessions, allowing detailed comparison of each protocol's effects on pain and tolerance over the study period ending in December 2026.

Exercise-induced Hypoalgesia Effects of Blood Flow Restriction in People With Rotator Cuff-related Shoulder Pain