Subacromial Corticosteroid Injections and tDCS in Rotator Cuff Tendinopathy (NCT03967574) | Clinical Trial Compass
CompletedNot Applicable
Subacromial Corticosteroid Injections and tDCS in Rotator Cuff Tendinopathy
38 participantsStarted 2015-11-04
Plain-language summary
This study evaluates the effects of corticosteroid injections over time, as well as the additional effect provided by subsequent transcranial direct current stimulation (tDCS) of the motor cortex on patients with rotator cuff tendinopathy of the shoulder. All patients will receive a subacromial corticosteroid injection. Two weeks later, a third will receive a treatment of tDCS, a third will receive a placebo a-tDCS treatment, and the last third will not receive any additional treatment.
Who can participate
Age range
18 Years – 65 Years
Sex
ALL
See this in plain English?
AI-rewrites the medical criteria so a patient or caregiver can understand them. Always confirm with the trial site.
Inclusion Criteria:
* Shoulder pain for at least 9 months
* Trial of conservative treatment prior to inclusion
* Positive painful arc sign
* At least one positive impingement test (Neer or Hawkin's impingement sign)
* Written and oral comprehension of French and/or English
Exclusion Criteria specific to rotator cuff tendinopathy and CSI:
* Traumatic origin
* Diagnosis of a systemic inflammatory joint disease
* Complete rotator cuff tear on physical examination or MRI
* Diagnosis of acromio-clavicular syndrome
* Presence of cervical nerve root pain or symptoms
* Other confounding pathologies seen clinically or radiographically
* History of previous fracture or surgery at the shoulder
* Contraindication to CSI
* CSI received in the last three months
* Planned or ongoing pregnancy
* Receiving worker's compensation or being involved in litigation relating to the shoulder pathology.
* Inability to follow protocol instructions
Exclusion Criteria specific to tDCS and transcranial magnetic stimulation:
* History of epilepsy or convulsions
* Brain metallic implants or fragments
* Brain lesions or tumors
* Use of a pacemaker or ICD
* Use of an intravenous medication pump
* Severe cardiac disease, or recent cardiac event
* Consumption of medications known to lower the seizure threshold
* Alcoholism
* Severe sleep deprivation
* Eczema or skin lesions at the area of electrode application
Questions worth asking your doctor
Bring these to your next appointment. They're a starting point for a shared conversation — not a sign you qualify or a recommendation to enrol.
1Based on my diagnosis and history, is this trial worth exploring for me — or is there a standard treatment we should try first?
2What does this trial's phase tell us about how much is already known about its safety and benefit?
3What would taking part actually involve for me — visits, tests, time, and travel?
4What are the known and possible risks or side effects I should weigh, and how would they be monitored?
5If this trial isn't the right fit, what other options or trials would you suggest I look into?
Generated to help you prepare — always confirm anything about your own eligibility and care with the study team and your doctor.
Questions for the trial coordinator
The trial coordinator is the person who runs the study day to day. These cover the practical side — logistics, costs, and what taking part would actually mean for your life. The study team confirms whether you meet the criteria; these are questions to ask, not a sign you qualify.
1What does taking part actually involve week to week — how many visits, where, and how long does each one take?
2What costs are covered by the study, and what might I have to pay for myself, including travel, parking, or time off work?
3What happens during screening, and what happens if the study team confirms I don't meet the criteria after those tests?
4Who pays for the scans, blood work, and other tests the trial requires — the study, my insurance, or me?
5How will being in the trial affect my regular care, and will my own doctor stay informed and involved?
6Can I leave the trial at any point if I change my mind, and what would happen to my care if I do?
A starting point for the conversation — always confirm anything about your own eligibility, costs, and care with the study team and your doctor.
What they're measuring
1
Western Ontario Rotator Cuff index (WORC)
Timeframe: Two weeks following tDCS (four weeks after CSI)