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Therapeutic Exercise for Rotator Cuff Tendinopathy / Subacromial Pain Syndrome - Outcomes and Mechanisms

NCT04923477 · Status: RECRUITING · Phase: NA · Type: INTERVENTIONAL · Enrollment: 60

Last updated 2026-02-03

No results posted yet for this study

Summary

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

  • Rotator Cuff Tendinosis
  • Rotator Cuff Tendinitis
  • Rotator Cuff Injuries
  • Subacromial Pain Syndrome

Interventions

OTHER

Therapeutic Exercise for Rotator Cuff Tendinopathy / Subacromial Pain Syndrome

Therapeutic exercise of resistance and mobility via a combination of HEP and in-person/virtual visits 5 days/ wk. Exercise program instruction in person, then 2-3 visits /wk x 8 wks (in-person or virtual) with a trained professional for the progression of exercises. Adherence to exercise will be measured daily via text and recorded in a mobile app. Patients will start with Phase 1 exercises of shoulder external \& internal rotation, scapular stabilization, and active shoulder elevation; resistance levels of elastic bands will be assigned and progressed based on patient-reported shoulder pain and perceived difficulty. Patients will be advanced to Phase 2 when they complete Phase 1. The exercise protocol will be delivered with the methods previously published by Tate, 2010 and Mintken 2016.

Sponsors & Collaborators

  • University of Southern California

    lead OTHER

Principal Investigators

  • Lori A Michener, PT, ATC, PhD · University of Southern California

Study Design

Allocation
NA
Purpose
TREATMENT
Masking
NONE
Model
SINGLE_GROUP

Eligibility

Min Age
18 Years
Max Age
55 Years
Sex
ALL
Healthy Volunteers
No

Timeline & Regulatory

Start
2021-06-08
Primary Completion
2026-12-31
Completion
2026-12-31

Countries

  • United States

Study Locations

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Read the full study record

This page highlights key information. For complete eligibility criteria, study locations, investigator contacts, and the full protocol, visit the original record on ClinicalTrials.gov.

View NCT04923477 on ClinicalTrials.gov