Not Yet RecruitingNot Applicable

Effects of Percutaneous Electrical Stimulation in Patients With Chronic Supraspinatus Tendinopathy

Spain64 participantsStarted 2026-09-01

Plain-language summary

The aim of this clinical trial is to evaluate the effects of two percutaneous stimulation techniques-Percutaneous Electrical Stimulation (PENS) and Percutaneous Electrolysis (PE)-combined with a therapeutic exercise (TE) program for the shoulder joint complex, on pain and function in individuals with chronic supraspinatus tendinopathy. The main question this study seeks to answer is: Would incorporating percutaneous electrical stimulation (PENS) of the axillary and suprascapular nerves and galvanic percutaneous stimulation (PE) of the supraspinatus tendon into a therapeutic exercise (TE) program for the shoulder joint complex improve therapeutic outcomes in terms of pain, function, and upper limb disability? Based on an exercise program in all groups, researchers will compare the efficacy of active PENS and PE, as well as placebo, in all their combinations. Participants will undergo a 12-week exercise program, during which they will receive four sessions (one session per week) of active percutaneous electrical stimulation or a placebo during the first month. Participants will: * Visit the center on four separate occasions for results measurement. * Keep a session log to verify adherence to the exercise program.

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: * Subjects attending the shoulder unit of the traumatology and orthopedic surgery service at Clínica HLA Vistahermosa (TraumaVist) who are clinically diagnosed with supraspinatus tendinopathy (M75.1 Rotator cuff tendinopathy - ICD-10), according to the following criteria (Desmeules et al., 2025). * Participants of both sexes, aged between 18 and 65 years, diagnosed with chronic supraspinatus tendinopathy, or any of the related terms, provided they also meet the conditions detailed below. * Painful symptoms associated with the insertion area of the supraspinatus tendon, present for at least 3 months, of non-traumatic origin, which increase with palpation (score equal to or greater than 3/10 on a numerical pain scale) and with resisted movements, and not associated with signs of nerve root irritation. * Structural changes in the supraspinatus tendon (tendinosis), observed via ultrasound or MRI, and confirmed by a specialist physician. * Positive results in at least 2 of the 5 assessment tests: Hawkins-Kennedy, Neer, Jobe, painful arc of motion, and resisted external rotation. * Attend the center, referred by a specialist in traumatology and orthopedics, with a prescription for physiotherapy treatment. Exclusion Criteria: * Individuals with any of the following circumstances will be excluded: * Intratendinous calcification in the supraspinatus muscle. * Partial or complete tear of any rotator cuff structure. * Serious illnesses, diabetes,…

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

Pain Intensity

Timeframe: - Baseline (T0) - 4 initial weeks - (T1) - 12 initial weeks - (T2) - 24 initial weeks - (T3)

Pressure Pain Threshold (PPT)

Timeframe: - Baseline (T0) - 4 initial weeks - (T1) - 12 initial weeks - (T2) - 24 initial weeks - (T3)

Function

Timeframe: - Baseline (T0) - 4 initial weeks - (T1) - 12 initial weeks - (T2) - 24 initial weeks - (T3)

Disability

Timeframe: - Baseline (T0) - 4 initial weeks - (T1) - 12 initial weeks - (T2) - 24 initial weeks - (T3)

Trial details

NCT IDNCT07498569

SponsorUniversidad Miguel Hernandez de Elche

Sponsor typeOTHER

Study typeINTERVENTIONAL

Primary completion2027-06-01

Contact for this trial

José-Vicente Toledo-Marhuenda, Ph D

+0034 965919260 josetoledo@umh.es

View on ClinicalTrials.gov More Supraspinatus Tendinopathy trials

Plain-language summary

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.

What they're measuring

Pain Intensity

Timeframe: - Baseline (T0) - 4 initial weeks - (T1) - 12 initial weeks - (T2) - 24 initial weeks - (T3)

Pressure Pain Threshold (PPT)

Timeframe: - Baseline (T0) - 4 initial weeks - (T1) - 12 initial weeks - (T2) - 24 initial weeks - (T3)

Function

Timeframe: - Baseline (T0) - 4 initial weeks - (T1) - 12 initial weeks - (T2) - 24 initial weeks - (T3)

Disability

Timeframe: - Baseline (T0) - 4 initial weeks - (T1) - 12 initial weeks - (T2) - 24 initial weeks - (T3)