Latissimus Dorsi Strengthening Exercises in Rotator Cuff Tendinopathy
Turkey (Türkiye)47 participantsStarted 2025-05-23
Plain-language summary
The aim of this study is to investigate the effects of strengthening exercises targeting the latissimus dorsi muscle on acromiohumeral distance, shoulder function, and pain levels in individuals with rotator cuff tendinopathy. By increasing the activation of the latissimus dorsi, one of the shoulder adductor muscles, the exercises are expected to facilitate inferior gliding of the humeral head and improve subacromial distance.
Individuals aged between 18 and 50 years with a diagnosis of rotator cuff tendinopathy will be included in the study. A total of 47 participants will be enrolled and randomly assigned to one of three groups:
A group performing exercises targeting only the rotator cuff muscles, A group performing exercises targeting the latissimus dorsi muscle, A group performing a combination of both rotator cuff and latissimus dorsi exercises.
The exercise interventions will be applied over a 12-week period. Before and after the intervention, the following outcomes will be assessed:
Acromiohumeral distance (via ultrasound), Range of motion, Shoulder function and pain using the SPADI and WORC questionnaires, and Avoidance behavior using the Adap-Tr questionnaire.
Who can participate
Age range
18 Years – 50 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:
* Age between 18 and 50 years
* At least 3 months of ongoing shoulder pain
* At least 3 positive tests out of 5 (Neer, Hawkins-Kennedy, Jobe, Painful Arc Sign, Pain on Resisted External Rotation)
* Ultrasound diagnosis of rotator cuff tendinopathy
* Shoulder pain during activity rated greater than 3 out of 10 on the Numeric Pain Scale
* Central Sensitization Inventory score below 40
Exclusion Criteria:
* Bilateral shoulder pain
* History of surgery or dislocation in the symptomatic shoulder
* Acromioclavicular degeneration
* Presence of shoulder capsulitis (restriction in passive glenohumeral range of motion in 2 or more directions)
* Full-thickness rotator cuff tear
* Shoulder osteoarthritis, rheumatoid arthritis, systemic inflammatory or neurological disease
* Any injection to the symptomatic shoulder within the past 6 weeks
* BMI greater than 30 kg/m2
* Refusal to participate in the study
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
Acromio-humeral distance
Timeframe: Measurements will be performed at baseline and at the end of the 12th week