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

NCT07662772 | Not Yet Recruiting

• 1 other identifier: KAEÜFTR-4
• Study Type: observational
• Target: 90
• Locations: 0 countries
• Sites: N/A

Brief 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.

Conditions

Rotator Cuff Syndrome

Outcome Measures

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.

  Baseline (single assessment)

Secondary Outcomes (5)

• Hand Grip Strength

  Baseline (single assessment)

• Upper Extremity Function

  Baseline (single assessment)

• Shoulder Pain Intensity

  Baseline (single assessment)

• Symptom Duration

  Baseline

• Shoulder Proprioception

  Baseline

Study Arms (3)

Healthy Controls

Healthy individuals without shoulder pain or a history of shoulder pathology, matched to the patient groups by age and sex where possible.

Short-Duration RCRSP

Participants diagnosed with rotator cuff-related shoulder pain with symptom duration of less than 6 months.

Long-Duration RCRSP

Participants diagnosed with rotator cuff-related shoulder pain with symptom duration of 6 months or longer.

Eligibility Criteria

• Age: 18 Years - 65 Years
• Sex: all
• Healthy Volunteers: Yes
• Age Groups: Adult (18-64), Older Adult (65+)
• Sampling Method: Non-Probability Sample

Study 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

You may qualify if:

• 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.

You may not qualify if:

• 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. Inability to complete study assessments or provide informed consent.

Sponsors & Collaborators

• Kirsehir Ahi Evran Universitesi: lead

Central Study Contacts

Ömer ÖZÇELEP, PhD.

CONTACT

+905319463799; omer.ozcelep@ahievran.edu.tr

Study Design

• Study Type: observational
• Observational Model: CASE CONTROL
• Time Perspective: CROSS SECTIONAL
• Target Duration: 1 Day
• Sponsor Type: OTHER
• Responsible Party: PRINCIPAL INVESTIGATOR
• PI Title: Assist. Prof

Study Record Dates

• First Submitted: June 17, 2026
• First Posted: June 23, 2026
• Study Start: July 18, 2026
• Primary Completion (Estimated): December 18, 2026
• Study Completion (Estimated): December 19, 2026
• Last Updated: June 23, 2026

Record last verified: 2026-06