High-Intensity Interval Training (HIIT) for Chronic Inflammatory-Driven Shoulder Pain: A Feasibility Study

What this Trial Is About

Researchers are studying whether high-intensity interval training (HIIT) is feasible and acceptable for people with long-lasting shoulder pain, such as rotator cuff-related pain or frozen shoulder. Many patients do not fully recover with current treatments, and inflammation, metabolic changes, and nervous system imbalances may contribute to ongoing pain. This feasibility study involves 30 participants, including 15 with persistent shoulder pain and 15 without symptoms, to explore these systemic factors and the practicality of using HIIT. Participants with shoulder pain will complete two sessions: one to measure maximum exercise capacity on a cycle ergometer and another combining assessments with a personalized 20-minute HIIT session. The HIIT consists of five one-minute high-intensity cycling intervals at maximum capacity, each followed by one minute of active rest. Controls will undergo a single assessment session without exercise. The study will measure inflammation, metabolic markers, autonomic and sensory nervous system functions, and participant responses to the HIIT session. Throughout the study, participants will have clinical assessments including blood tests, blood pressure, body composition measurements, pain sensitivity tests, and questionnaires about symptoms and quality of life. Researchers will monitor adherence, motivation, safety, and acceptability of HIIT, as well as any side effects up to three days after exercise. The study aims to inform larger future trials and explore systemic approaches to managing chronic shoulder pain. Participation will last through the assessment and HIIT sessions, with no extended follow-up period.

HIIT for Inflammatory-driven Shoulder Pain.