Not Yet RecruitingNot Applicable

Mobilization With Movement in Rotator Cuff Tendinopathy

60 participantsStarted 2026-07-08

Plain-language summary

This randomized controlled trial aims to investigate the effects of Mobilization With Movement (MWM) combined with exercise therapy on tendon morphology, pain, and functional outcomes in individuals with rotator cuff tendinopathy. A total of approximately 60 participants diagnosed with supraspinatus tendinopathy will be randomly assigned to either an exercise-only group or an exercise plus MWM group. All participants will undergo a standardized rehabilitation program for 8 weeks. Clinical outcomes, including pain intensity (Visual Analog Scale), shoulder function (SPADI and QuickDASH), range of motion, muscle strength, proprioception, and psychosocial status (Tampa Scale of Kinesiophobia, Pain Catastrophizing Scale, and Central Sensitization Inventory), will be assessed at baseline and post-intervention. In addition, ultrasound imaging will be used to evaluate tendon morphology, including tendon thickness, subacromial bursa thickness, acromiohumeral distance, echogenicity, and vascularity. The primary objective is to determine whether MWM produces superior improvements in clinical outcomes and whether it is associated with measurable changes in tendon structure as assessed by ultrasound. The findings are expected to contribute to a better understanding of the biomechanical and neurophysiological mechanisms underlying manual therapy in rotator cuff tendinopathy and to provide evidence for its role in musculoskeletal rehabilitation.

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: * Age between 18 and 65 years * Clinical diagnosis of rotator cuff tendinopathy (supraspinatus involvement) confirmed by musculoskeletal ultrasound * Shoulder pain duration of at least 3 months * Pain intensity ≥ 3/10 on the Visual Analog Scale (VAS) * Ability to understand and follow instructions and complete questionnaires Exclusion Criteria: * Full-thickness or large rotator cuff tear confirmed by ultrasound or MRI * History of shoulder surgery on the affected side * Diagnosis of adhesive capsulitis (frozen shoulder) * Shoulder instability or dislocation history * Cervical radiculopathy or referred neck-related shoulder pain * Inflammatory rheumatic diseases (e.g., rheumatoid arthritis, ankylosing spondylitis) * Neurological disorders affecting upper extremity function * Corticosteroid injection in the shoulder within the last 6 months * Ongoing physiotherapy or manual therapy treatment for shoulder pain in the last 3 months * Severe systemic or psychiatric conditions that may interfere with participation

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

Supraspinatus Tendon Thickness

Timeframe: Baseline (Week 0) and post-intervention (Week 8)

Trial details

NCT IDNCT07656441

SponsorKirsehir Ahi Evran Universitesi

Sponsor typeOTHER

Study typeINTERVENTIONAL

Primary completion2026-12-12

View on ClinicalTrials.gov More Rotator Cuff Syndrome trials