Concentric vs Eccentric Full Can Exercise in Partial Rotator Cuff Tears

NCT07587931 | Not Yet Recruiting

• 1 other identifier: FU_MGBeydagi_RC_B_2026/05
• Study Type: interventional
• Target: 60
• Locations: 1 country
• Sites: 1

Brief Summary

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.

Conditions

Partial Rotator Cuff Tears; Shoulder Pain Syndrome; Rotator Cuff Injuries

Keywords

Supraspinatus Muscle; Full Can Exercise; Eccentric Exercise; Concentric Exercise; Shoulder Rehabilitation; Muscle Architecture

Outcome Measures

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).

  Baseline and 6 weeks

Secondary Outcomes (8)

• Change in Supraspinatus Muscle Fiber Length

  Baseline and 6 weeks

• Change in Physiological Cross-Sectional Area of Supraspinatus

  Baseline and 6 weeks

• Change in Pain Intensity (VAS)

  Baseline and 6 weeks

• Change in Shoulder Range of Motion

  Baseline and 6 weeks

• Change in Shoulder Muscle Strength

  Baseline and 6 weeks

Study Arms (2)

Concentric Exercise Group

ACTIVE COMPARATOR

Participants will receive a standard physiotherapy program including ultrasound, TENS, and shoulder rehabilitation exercises, combined with concentric full can exercises. The concentric phase (lifting) will be emphasized, while the eccentric phase will be minimally loaded.

Other: Concentric Full Can Exercise; Other: Standard Physiotherapy Program

Eccentric Exercise Group

ACTIVE COMPARATOR

Participants will receive a standard physiotherapy program including ultrasound, TENS, and shoulder rehabilitation exercises, combined with eccentric full can exercises. The eccentric phase (lowering) will be emphasized, while the concentric phase will be minimally loaded.

Other: Eccentric Full Can Exercise; Other: Standard Physiotherapy Program

Interventions

Concentric Full Can Exercise OTHER

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.

Concentric Exercise Group

Eccentric Full Can Exercise OTHER

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 Exercise Group

Standard Physiotherapy Program OTHER

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

Concentric Exercise Group; Eccentric Exercise Group

Eligibility Criteria

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

You may qualify if:

• 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)
• Willing to participate and provide informed consent

You may not qualify if:

• Full-thickness rotator cuff tear
• History of shoulder surgery
• Shoulder instability
• Neurological disorders
• Rheumatological diseases
• Corticosteroid injection within the last 3 months
• Inability to adhere to the exercise program

Sponsors & Collaborators

• Firat University: lead
• Elazıg Fethi Sekin Sehir Hastanesi: collaborator

Study Sites (1)

Firat University

Elâzığ, MErkez, 23200, Turkey (Türkiye)

Location

MeSH Terms

Conditions

Rotator Cuff Injuries

Condition Hierarchy (Ancestors)

Rupture; Wounds and Injuries; Shoulder Injuries; Tendon Injuries

Central Study Contacts

Muharrem Gökhan Beydağı, PhD

CONTACT

+905323581105; mgbeydagi@firat.edu.tr

Study Design

• Study Type: interventional
• Phase: not applicable
• Allocation: RANDOMIZED
• Masking: SINGLE
• Who Masked: OUTCOMES ASSESSOR
• Masking Details: Outcome assessments will be performed by a physiotherapist who is blinded to group allocation. Participants and care providers will not be blinded due to the nature of the exercise interventions.
• Purpose: TREATMENT
• Intervention Model: PARALLEL
• Sponsor Type: OTHER
• Responsible Party: PRINCIPAL INVESTIGATOR
• PI Title: Assistant Professor, PhD

Model Details: Participants will be randomized into two parallel groups receiving either concentric or eccentric full can exercise in addition to a standard physiotherapy program.

Study Record Dates

• First Submitted: April 27, 2026
• First Posted: May 14, 2026
• Study Start: May 20, 2026
• Primary Completion (Estimated): August 20, 2026
• Study Completion (Estimated): January 20, 2027
• Last Updated: May 14, 2026

Record last verified: 2026-05

Data Sharing

• IPD Sharing: Will not share

Locations

TU (1)