Characteristics of the upper trapezius muscle in patients with chronic shoulder impingement syndrome: a comparative study.
Chun-Kai Tang, Chia-Feng Lu, Shin-Yi Chiou...
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/42115641Actively Recruiting
Age: 18Years - 50Years
All Genders
Healthy Volunteers
ID06472349
Structure and Function of the Upper Trapezius and Its Role in Chronic Shoulder Pain: an Investigation of Kinematics, Morphology, Muscle Quality and Activation Distribution
Led by National Yang Ming Chiao Tung University · Updated on 2026-04-14
100
Participants Needed
1
Research Sites
N/A
Total Duration
On this page
AI-Summary
What this Trial Is About
Researchers are investigating the upper trapezius muscle's structure and function in people with chronic shoulder pain, focusing on how muscle activation is affected by factors like muscle thickness, fear avoidance beliefs, central sensitization, and somatosensory impairments. The study aims to fill gaps in understanding the relationship between these factors and upper trapezius muscle activation compared to healthy individuals. The study involves two groups: individuals with chronic shoulder pain and healthy controls without shoulder pain. It will compare clavicular movement using an electromagnetic tracking system and assess muscle thickness and fat infiltration using ultrasound and magnetic resonance imaging. Researchers will analyze shoulder movement, muscle activation patterns, muscle morphology, and fat infiltration to understand differences between the groups. Participants will undergo various evaluations including measurements of shoulder movement, muscle activation, oscillation frequency, stiffness, muscle thickness, fat content, pain intensity, disability level, and posture angles. These assessments will be performed during the procedure to gather comprehensive data on muscle function and quality. The study is open to adults aged 18 to 50 and includes healthy volunteers for comparison. Total participation details depend on individual assessments and study timelines.
CONDITIONS
Brief Title
Structure and Function of the Upper Trapezius and Its Role in Chronic Shoulder Pain: an Investigation of Kinematics, Morphology, Muscle Quality and Activation Distribution
Who Can Participate
Age: 18Years - 50Years
All Genders
Healthy Volunteers
Eligibility Criteria
You may qualify if you...
- Adults aged 18 to 50 years
- For chronic shoulder pain group: unilateral, non-traumatic shoulder pain lasting more than 3 months
- Pain intensity greater than 2 on the VAS scale during movement
- At least 3 of 5 positive pain provocation tests including Hawkins-Kennedy test, Jobe test, Neer's test, Painful Arc, Resistance Test against External Rotation
- For healthy control group: no shoulder pain at rest or during daily activities
- Negative results on pain provocation tests including Hawkins-Kennedy test, Jobe test, Neer's test, Painful Arc, Resistance Test against External Rotation, and Spurling's neck compression test
You will not qualify if you...
- History of significant shoulder trauma such as fractures or clinically suspected full thickness cuff tear
- Shoulder dislocation in the last 2 years
- Diagnosis of adhesive capsulitis with gradual painful loss of shoulder range of motion
- Shoulder pain originating from the cervical spine as indicated by Spurling's neck compression test
- Shoulder pain due to arthritis, neurological disorders, cancer, or referred pain
- Corticoid injections in the shoulder within 6 months prior to the study
- History of shoulder or neck surgery
AI-Screening
AI-Powered Screening
Complete this quick 3-step screening to check your eligibility
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Your Study Journey
Screening
Duration - 2 to 4 weeks
Participants are screened for eligibility to participate in the trial.
1 visit (in-person)
Diagnostic Evaluation
Duration - 1 day
Participants undergo assessments of shoulder kinematics, muscle activation, muscle quality, and pain measurements to understand the structure and function of the upper trapezius in chronic shoulder pain.
1 visit (in-person)
Trial Site Locations
Total: 1 location
1
National Yang Ming Chiao Tung University
Taipei, Taiwan, 11221
Actively Recruiting
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How is the study designed?
Study Type
OBSERVATIONAL
Masking
N/A
Allocation
N/A
Model
N/A
Primary Purpose
N/A
Number of Arms
2
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