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Concentric vs Eccentric Full Can Exercise in Partial Rotator Cuff Tears

ConditionsPartial Rotator Cuff TearsRotator Cuff InjuriesShoulder Pain Syndrome
Trial statusRecruiting
Trial phaseNot applicable
Trial typeInterventional
Biological sexAll
Age18-65
SponsorFirat University

About this trial

This study aims to compare the effects of concentric and eccentric full can exercises on supraspinatus muscle architecture in individuals with partial rotator cuff tears.

Rotator cuff tears are a common cause of shoulder pain and functional limitation. The supraspinatus muscle plays a key role in shoulder movement and stability, and its structure may be affected in individuals with partial tears.

Exercise-based rehabilitation is widely used in the conservative management of these conditions. The full can exercise is commonly prescribed to selectively activate the supraspinatus muscle. However, the effects of different contraction types, specifically concentric and eccentric exercises, on muscle structure and clinical outcomes are not fully understood.

In this study, participants will be randomly assigned to either a concentric or eccentric full can exercise group. Both groups will receive a standard physiotherapy program, including therapeutic ultrasound and transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation (TENS), in addition to the assigned exercise protocol.

The intervention will last for 6 weeks, with sessions performed three times per week. Outcomes will be assessed before and after the intervention.

The primary outcome is the change in supraspinatus muscle pennation angle measured by ultrasound imaging. Secondary outcomes include muscle architecture parameters, pain intensity, range of motion, muscle strength, functional status, and kinesiophobia.

The findings of this study may help improve exercise selection in the rehabilitation of individuals with rotator cuff tears.

Eligibility criteria

This trial does not accept healthy volunteers

Qualifiers

Aged between 18 and 65 years

Diagnosed with partial supraspinatus tendon tear confirmed by ultrasound or magnetic resonance imaging

Shoulder pain lasting at least 3 months

Pain intensity ≥3 on the Visual Analog Scale (VAS)

Disqualifiers

Full-thickness rotator cuff tear

History of shoulder surgery

Shoulder instability

Neurological disorders

Trial design

Design model

Parallel

Treatments tested in this trial

  • Concentric Full Can Exercise

    Other intervention

    A strengthening exercise performed in the scapular plane with emphasis on the eccentric phase. The lowering phase is performed slowly in approximately 4 seconds against resistance, while the concentric phase is minimized. Exercises are performed 3 times per week for 6 weeks.

  • Eccentric Full Can Exercise

    Other intervention

    A strengthening exercise performed in the scapular plane with emphasis on the eccentric phase. The lowering phase is performed slowly in approximately 4 seconds against resistance, while the concentric phase is minimized. Exercises are performed 3 times per week for 6 weeks.

  • Standard Physiotherapy Program

    Other intervention

    Includes therapeutic ultrasound, transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation (TENS), and standard shoulder rehabilitation exercises applied to all participants.

Treatment groups

60 Participants
are divided into 2 treatment groups
Group A: Concentric Exercise GroupActive comparator 2 interventions
Group B: Eccentric Exercise GroupActive comparator 2 interventions

Trial outcomes

Primary outcomes

1

Change in Supraspinatus Muscle Pennation Angle

The pennation angle of the supraspinatus muscle will be measured using B-mode ultrasonography. Measurements will be obtained at baseline (T0) and after 6 weeks (T1). The change between time points will be analyzed. Supraspinatus Muscle Pennation Angle: * Assessed by B-mode ultrasonography. * Pennation angle will be measured in degrees (°). * Higher values indicate greater muscle architectural adaptation. * Measured at baseline (T0) and after 6 weeks of intervention (T1).

Time frame
Baseline and 6 weeks

Secondary outcomes

1

Change in Supraspinatus Muscle Fiber Length

Measured using B-mode ultrasonography at baseline and after 6 weeks. Supraspinatus Fascicle Length: * Measured using B-mode ultrasonography in millimeters (mm). * Greater fascicle length may indicate improved muscle architectural properties. * Assessed at baseline and 6 weeks.

Time frame
Baseline and 6 weeks
2

Change in Physiological Cross-Sectional Area of Supraspinatus

Measured via ultrasound imaging at baseline and after 6 weeks. Physiological Cross-Sectional Area (PCSA): * Measured using ultrasonography in cm². * Higher values indicate greater muscle size. * Assessed at baseline and 6 weeks.

Time frame
Baseline and 6 weeks
3

Change in Pain Intensity (VAS)

Pain intensity will be assessed using the Visual Analog Scale (0-10 cm). Visual Analog Scale for Pain: * Pain intensity will be assessed using the Visual Analog Scale (VAS). * The scale ranges from 0 to 10. * 0 indicates no pain and 10 indicates worst imaginable pain. * Higher scores indicate worse pain severity. * Assessed at baseline and 6 weeks.

Time frame
Baseline and 6 weeks
4

Change in Shoulder Range of Motion

Measured using a goniometer for flexion, abduction, internal and external rotation. Shoulder Range of Motion: * Active shoulder flexion, abduction, internal rotation, and external rotation will be measured using a universal goniometer in degrees (°). * Higher values indicate greater joint mobility. * Assessed at baseline and 6 weeks.

Time frame
Baseline and 6 weeks

Other outcomes

Sponsors and contacts

Click on the lead sponsor to view all of their trials.

Firat University

Lead sponsor

Elazıg Fethi Sekin Sehir Hastanesi

Collaborator

Source ClinicalTrials.gov
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