High-Intensity Laser Therapy Versus Multimodal Physiotherapy in Subacromial Impingement Syndrome

NCT07586800 | Completed

• 2 other identifiers: IUFM-PMR-2015-1232015/123
• Study Type: interventional
• Target: 94
• Locations: 0 countries
• Sites: N/A

Brief Summary

This randomized controlled trial aimed to compare the short-term effectiveness of high-intensity laser therapy (HILT) and a multimodal physiotherapy program in patients with subacromial impingement syndrome (SIS). Ninety-four participants were allocated to either HILT or combined physiotherapy, and both groups received an identical supervised exercise program. Primary outcome measures included shoulder pain assessed using the visual analogue scale (VAS). Secondary outcomes included shoulder function, disability, and quality of life. Outcomes were evaluated at baseline, post-treatment, and short-term follow-up.

Conditions

Subacromial Impingement Syndrome; Shoulder Pain; Rotator Cuff Disease

Keywords

High-Intensity Laser Therapy; HILT; Physiotherapy; Shoulder Rehabilitation; Exercise Therapy; Randomized Controlled Trial

Outcome Measures

Primary Outcomes (1)

• Shoulder Pain Intensity Assessed by Visual Analogue Scale (VAS)

  Pain intensity at rest, during movement, and at night assessed using a 10-cm visual analogue scale.

  Baseline, 3 weeks, and 7 weeks

Secondary Outcomes (2)

• Shoulder Function Assessed by Constant-Murley Score

  Baseline, 3 weeks, and 7 weeks

• Shoulder Disability Assessed by SPADI

  Baseline, 3 weeks, and 7 weeks

Study Arms (2)

High-Intensity Laser Therapy

EXPERIMENTAL

Participants received class IV Nd:YAG high-intensity laser therapy three times weekly for three weeks in addition to a supervised exercise program.

Device: High-Intensity Laser Therapy

Multimodal Physiotherapy

ACTIVE COMPARATOR

Participants received hot pack therapy, transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation, and therapeutic ultrasound combined with a supervised exercise program.

Other: Multimodal Physiotherapy

Interventions

High-Intensity Laser Therapy DEVICE

Class IV Nd:YAG laser therapy (1064 nm wavelength) administered to the shoulder region for treatment of subacromial impingement syndrome.

High-Intensity Laser Therapy

Multimodal Physiotherapy OTHER

Combined physiotherapy program consisting of hot pack therapy, transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation, and therapeutic ultrasound.

Multimodal Physiotherapy

Eligibility Criteria

• Age: 18 Years - 65 Years
• Sex: all
• Healthy Volunteers: No
• Age Groups: Adult (18-64), Older Adult (65+)

You may qualify if:

• Adults aged 18 to 65 years
• Clinically and radiologically confirmed subacromial impingement syndrome
• Shoulder pain lasting at least 1 month and less than 6 months
• At least one positive impingement test (Neer, Hawkins-Kennedy, painful arc, or Jobe test)
• MRI findings consistent with stage I-II rotator cuff changes

You may not qualify if:

• Previous shoulder surgery or trauma
• Inflammatory rheumatic disease
• Recent myocardial infarction
• Active infection
• Previous physiotherapy or corticosteroid injection within the last 6 months
• Pregnancy
• Calcific tendinitis
• Adhesive capsulitis
• Cervical radiculopathy
• Neurological disorders affecting the shoulder
• Full-thickness rotator cuff tear
• Contraindications to electrotherapy or laser therapy

Sponsors & Collaborators

• Tulay Yildirim: lead

MeSH Terms

Conditions

Shoulder Impingement Syndrome; Shoulder Pain

Condition Hierarchy (Ancestors)

Joint Diseases; Musculoskeletal Diseases; Shoulder Injuries; Wounds and Injuries; Arthralgia; Pain; Neurologic Manifestations; Signs and Symptoms; Pathological Conditions, Signs and Symptoms

Study Officials

• Tulay Yildirim, MD

  Inonu University Faculty of Medicine

  PRINCIPAL INVESTIGATOR

Study Design

• Study Type: interventional
• Phase: not applicable
• Allocation: RANDOMIZED
• Masking: SINGLE
• Who Masked: OUTCOMES ASSESSOR
• Masking Details: Outcome assessment was performed by a physician blinded to group allocation. Due to the nature of the interventions, participant and care provider blinding were not feasible.
• Purpose: TREATMENT
• Intervention Model: PARALLEL
• Sponsor Type: OTHER
• Responsible Party: SPONSOR INVESTIGATOR
• PI Title: Inonu University Faculty of Medicine

Model Details: Participants were assigned to either high-intensity laser therapy or multimodal physiotherapy, with both groups receiving an identical supervised exercise program.

Study Record Dates

• First Submitted: May 8, 2026
• First Posted: May 14, 2026
• Study Start: January 1, 2016
• Primary Completion: December 1, 2017
• Study Completion: December 1, 2017
• Last Updated: May 14, 2026

Record last verified: 2026-05

Data Sharing

• IPD Sharing: Will not share