Actively Recruiting
Therapeutic Exercise for Rotator Cuff Tendinopathy / Subacromial Pain Syndrome - Outcomes and Mechanisms
Led by University of Southern California · Updated on 2026-02-03
60
Participants Needed
1
Research Sites
290 weeks
Total Duration
On this page
AI-Summary
What this Trial Is About
Rotator cuff tendinopathy, one of the pathologies identified as part of the cluster of shoulder symptoms known as subacromial pain syndrome, is a common musculoskeletal shoulder condition. Resolution of pain and disability is poor despite treatment, with only about 50% reporting full recovery at 12 - 18 months. Prior studies suggest therapeutic exercise when used alone and with other interventions can have positive outcomes; however, not all patients with rotator cuff tendinopathy respond. Few studies have assessed the effects of exercise for individuals with chronic pain, especially brain driven mechanisms, thought to play a key role. In this study, we will use brain imaging to understand the mechanisms, identify predictors of a positive response to exercise, and the relationship to biomechanical and pain-related factors in patients with RC tendinopathy. The findings from this study will optimize the delivery and treatment response to exercise for individuals with shoulder pain.
CONDITIONS
Official Title
Therapeutic Exercise for Rotator Cuff Tendinopathy / Subacromial Pain Syndrome - Outcomes and Mechanisms
Who Can Participate
Eligibility Criteria
You may qualify if you...
- Clinical diagnosis of rotator cuff tendinopathy confirmed by at least 3 of these tests: Hawkins-Kennedy, Neer, painful arc, empty can, external rotation resistance test
- Shoulder pain rating of 3 or higher on a numeric scale
- Age between 18 and 45 years
- Participant must read, sign, and date the informed consent
- Body mass index (BMI) of 30 or less
You will not qualify if you...
- Inability to understand or complete questionnaires
- Unable to attend study sessions
- Prior surgery on shoulder, neck, or thoracic spine
- Main complaint of neck or thoracic pain
- Diagnosis of cervical spinal stenosis
- Serious spinal or shoulder conditions such as infections, arthrosis, rheumatic disorders, acute fractures, shoulder dislocation, osteoporosis, or tumors
- Central nervous system issues including hyperreflexia, sensory problems in the hand, muscle wasting in the hands, balance problems, eye movement issues, vision loss, facial sensation changes, altered taste, or abnormal reflexes
- Two or more neurological signs of nerve root compression like muscle weakness or sensory loss
- Shoulder or arm pain triggered by certain neck tests (Spurling's Test, cervical rotation, axial compression)
- Primary adhesive capsulitis with more than 50% loss in passive shoulder motion compared to the other side
- Presence of devices or conditions unsafe for MRI, including pacemakers
AI-Screening
AI-Powered Screening
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Trial Site Locations
Total: 1 location
1
Clinical Biomechanics Orthopedic and Sports Outcomes Research Laboratory
Los Angeles, California, United States, 90089
Actively Recruiting
Research Team
L
Lori A Michener, PT, ATC, PhD
CONTACT
How is the study designed?
Study Type
INTERVENTIONAL
Masking
NONE
Allocation
NA
Model
SINGLE_GROUP
Primary Purpose
TREATMENT
Number of Arms
1
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