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Effect of Blood Flow Restriction Training Versus Pilates on Shoulder Impingement Syndrome

NCT07608809 · Status: RECRUITING · Phase: NA · Type: INTERVENTIONAL · Enrollment: 48

Last updated 2026-05-27

No results posted yet for this study

Summary

Subacromial impingement syndrome (SAIS) is the most common cause of shoulder pain, accounting for a large proportion of musculoskeletal complaints. It is characterized by narrowing of the subacromial space, leading to pain, weakness, limited range of motion, and impaired shoulder function. Muscle weakness, especially of the rotator cuff and scapular stabilizers, plays a major role in its pathomechanics.

Although conventional strengthening exercises are effective, they are often delayed until pain subsides, which may prolong recovery. Blood Flow Restriction (BFR) training and Pilates exercises have recently emerged as promising approaches that may enhance strength and function during earlier, painful stages of rehabilitation. However, limited research has compared both interventions in patients with SAIS. Therefore, this study aims to compare the effectiveness of BFR training versus Pilates exercises, in addition to conventional therapy, on pain, function, range of motion, muscle strength, and proprioception in patients with painful SAIS.

Conditions

  • Subacromial Impingement Syndrome

Interventions

OTHER

Pilates exercises

Participants will perform supervised Pilates exercises 3 times per week for 4 weeks. Each session will last 45 minutes and include mat-based exercises, resistance band work, and equipment-assisted movements targeting shoulder mobility, stability, and posture. Exercises will be progressively adjusted according to participant tolerance and performance.

OTHER

Cool's shoulder exercises

: Participants will perform standard Cool's exercises 3 times per week for 4 weeks. Each session will last 45 minutes and focus on targeted shoulder rehabilitation movements designed to improve flexibility, muscle activation, and pain reduction. Exercises will be supervised and progressively adapted based on participant performance

OTHER

Low load resistance training with BFR

Participants will perform low-load resistance training combined with Blood Flow Restriction (BFR) 3 times per week for 4 weeks. Each session will last 45 minutes and include exercises for shoulder muscles with cuffs applied to the upper arm to partially restrict blood flow, ensuring safety and gradual load progression.

Sponsors & Collaborators

  • Cairo University

    lead OTHER

Principal Investigators

  • Enas Fawzy Youssf, Professor of physical therapy · Cairo University

Study Design

Allocation
RANDOMIZED
Purpose
TREATMENT
Masking
SINGLE
Model
PARALLEL

Eligibility

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

Timeline & Regulatory

Start
2026-05-23
Primary Completion
2026-12-15
Completion
2027-01-15

Countries

  • Egypt

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 NCT07608809 on ClinicalTrials.gov