Not Yet RecruitingNot Applicable

Forearm Muscle and Tendon Thickness in Rotator Cuff-Related Shoulder Pain

90 participantsStarted 2026-07-18

Plain-language summary

Rotator cuff-related shoulder pain (RCRSP) is one of the most common musculoskeletal disorders affecting the shoulder and is frequently associated with pain, reduced muscle strength, and impaired upper extremity function. Although previous studies have primarily focused on structural and functional changes around the shoulder, little is known about the potential adaptations occurring in the distal upper extremity, particularly the forearm muscles and tendons. Altered upper extremity use, pain-related muscle inhibition, and compensatory movement patterns associated with prolonged shoulder pain may lead to morphological changes in the forearm musculature and tendons. However, the relationship between symptom duration and these structural adaptations has not yet been investigated. The aim of this cross-sectional study is to evaluate forearm muscle and tendon thickness using portable ultrasonography in individuals with RCRSP and to investigate whether these parameters differ according to symptom duration. In addition, hand grip strength, pain intensity, and upper extremity function will be assessed to explore their associations with ultrasonographic findings. The findings of this study are expected to provide new insights into distal upper extremity adaptations associated with RCRSP and may contribute to the development of more comprehensive rehabilitation strategies that address not only the shoulder but also the forearm musculature.

Who can participate

Age range

18 Years – 65 Years

Sex

ALL

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AI-rewrites the medical criteria so a patient or caregiver can understand them. Always confirm with the trial site.

Inclusion Criteria: RCRSP Group Adults aged 18-65 years. Clinical diagnosis of rotator cuff-related shoulder pain (RCRSP). Unilateral shoulder pain lasting at least 6 weeks. Pain localized around the anterolateral shoulder, aggravated by arm elevation and/or overhead activities. Positive findings on at least three clinical tests suggestive of RCRSP (e.g., painful arc, Hawkins-Kennedy test, Neer test, Jobe/Empty Can test, resisted external rotation). Ability to understand the study procedures and provide written informed consent. Healthy Control Group Adults aged 18-65 years. No current shoulder pain. No history of shoulder pain, shoulder surgery, or upper extremity musculoskeletal disorders during the previous 12 months. Ability to provide written informed consent. Exclusion Criteria: Previous shoulder surgery on either upper extremity. History of shoulder fracture, shoulder dislocation, or major upper extremity trauma. Full-thickness rotator cuff tear or other shoulder pathology requiring surgical management. Clinical signs of adhesive capsulitis. Cervical radiculopathy or other neurological disorders affecting the upper extremity. Systemic inflammatory, rheumatologic, or neuromuscular diseases. Peripheral nerve entrapment (e.g., carpal tunnel syndrome, cubital tunnel syndrome). Previous surgery or significant injury involving the forearm, wrist, or hand. Corticosteroid injection into the affected shoulder within the previous 3 months. Current pregnancy. Inabilit…

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

Forearm Muscle and Tendon Thickness

Timeframe: Baseline (single assessment)

Trial details

NCT IDNCT07662772

SponsorKirsehir Ahi Evran Universitesi

Sponsor typeOTHER

Study typeOBSERVATIONAL

Primary completion2026-12-18

Contact for this trial

Ömer ÖZÇELEP, PhD.

+905319463799 omer.ozcelep@ahievran.edu.tr

View on ClinicalTrials.gov More Rotator Cuff Syndrome trials