Forearm Muscle and Tendon Thickness in Rotator Cuff-Related Shoulder Pain
ConditionRotator Cuff Syndrome
Trial statusNot yet recruiting
Trial phaseNot listed
Trial typeObservational
Biological sexAll
Age18-65
SponsorKirsehir Ahi Evran Universitesi
About this trial
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.
Eligibility criteria
This trial accepts healthy volunteersQualifiers
None
Disqualifiers
None
Trial population
\### Study Population Description The study population will consist of adult individuals aged 18-65 years, including both patients with rotator cuff-related shoulder pain (RCRSP) and healthy control participants. Participants with RCRSP will be recruited based on clinical diagnosis confirmed by physical examination and positive clinical tests consistent with rotator cuff-related shoulder pain. Healthy controls will be recruited from the community and hospital staff and will have no history of shoulder pain or upper extremity musculoskeletal disorders. Patients with RCRSP will be further categorized according to symptom duration into subgroups for comparative analysis. All participants will undergo a single assessment session including ultrasonographic evaluation of forearm muscle and tendon thickness, hand grip strength measurement, and standardized functional and pain assessments. Participants will be recruited from outpatient physiotherapy and orthopedic clinics of the participatin
Trial design
Design model
Case-control
Time perspective
Cross-sectional
Treatments tested in this trial
Not listed
Trial groups
90 Participants
are grouped into 3 trial groupsGroup A: Healthy Controls
Group B: Short-Duration RCRSP
Group C: Long-Duration RCRSP
Trial outcomes
Primary outcomes
1
Forearm Muscle and Tendon Thickness
Forearm muscle and tendon thickness will be measured using portable B-mode ultrasonography. Measurements will be obtained from standardized anatomical landmarks with participants in a standardized position. The thickness (mm) of selected forearm flexor and extensor muscles and tendons will be recorded and compared between healthy controls and participants with rotator cuff-related shoulder pain according to symptom duration.
Time frame
Baseline (single assessment)Secondary outcomes
1
Hand Grip Strength
Maximum isometric hand grip strength will be assessed using a calibrated hand dynamometer. Three consecutive measurements will be obtained from the affected upper extremity with standardized positioning, and the highest value (kg) will be used for analysis.
Time frame
Baseline (single assessment)2
Upper Extremity Function
Upper extremity disability and symptoms will be evaluated using the Quick Disabilities of the Arm, Shoulder and Hand (QuickDASH) questionnaire. Scores range from 0 to 100, with higher scores indicating greater disability.
Time frame
Baseline (single assessment)3
Shoulder Pain Intensity
Shoulder pain intensity will be assessed using a 10-cm Visual Analog Scale (VAS), where 0 indicates no pain and 10 indicates the worst imaginable pain.
Time frame
Baseline (single assessment)4
Symptom Duration
Symptom duration will be recorded in months based on participant self-report and clinical history. Participants with rotator cuff-related shoulder pain will be categorized into groups according to symptom duration for comparative analyses.
Time frame
BaselineLocations
Sponsors and contacts
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Source ClinicalTrials.gov
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