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Exercise Training Sequence for Subacromial Impingement Syndrome

The Effect of Axioscapular and Rotator Cuff Exercise Training Sequence in Patients With Subacromial Impingement Syndrome: A Randomized Crossover Trial

Status
Completed
Phases
NA
Study type
Interventional
Source
ClinicalTrials.gov
Registry ID
NCT02478567
Enrollment
40
Registered
2015-06-23
Start date
2012-08-31
Completion date
2015-01-31
Last updated
2016-05-17

For informational purposes only — not medical advice. Sourced from public registries and may not reflect the latest updates. Terms

Conditions

Subacromial Impingement Syndrome

Brief summary

Randomized crossover trial evaluating the impact of exercise training sequence of axioscapular and rotator cuff exercises in patients diagnosed with subacromial impingement syndrome.

Detailed description

While physical therapy is an effective element in the rehabilitation of rotator cuff (RC) disease, the most effective sequence of training interventions has not been defined. The purpose of this study is to determine if there is a difference in pain or function in patients who are given RC strengthening prior to or after initiating scapular stabilization exercises. The study was a prospective randomized crossover design. 26 men and 14 women, mean age 51, diagnosed with subacromial impingement syndrome (SAIS) were randomly assigned to one of two groups for a comprehensive and standardized rehabilitation program over six visits at an orthopedic outpatient clinic. One group was prescribed a 4-week program of scapular stabilization exercises while the other group began with RC strengthening exercises. The crossover design had each group add the previously excluded four exercises to their second month of rehabilitation.

Interventions

OTHERRotator Cuff Training

four specific band-resisted strength training exercises for scapula

OTHERScapular Training

four specific band-resisted strength training exercises for rotator cuff

Sponsors

University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center
Lead SponsorOTHER

Study design

Allocation
RANDOMIZED
Intervention model
CROSSOVER
Primary purpose
TREATMENT
Masking
SINGLE (Investigator)

Eligibility

Sex/Gender
ALL
Age
18 Years to 80 Years
Healthy volunteers
No

Inclusion criteria

* 18-80 years of age * diagnosis of Neer Stage I/II subacromial impingement with a primary pain complaint in the shoulder and/or upper arm * presence of at least two of the following findings: painful arc, weakness in external rotation, positive impingement sign (Hawkins-Kennedy or Neer/Walsh tests), pain and/or weakness with resistance to internal rotation, external rotation, or scapular plane elevation.

Exclusion criteria

* concurrent medical co-morbidities including pregnancy, diabetes, and rheumatoid arthritis - * osteoarthritis greater than grade 2 on the Kellgren-Lawrence scale * current diagnosis and/or previous history of glenohumeral instability or dislocation * full-thickness rotator cuff tear * adhesive capsulitis * fractures of the scapula, clavicle or humerus * scapulothoracic or rotator cuff paresis * shoulder surgery in past year * inability to speak the English language at a level sufficient to obtain informed consent.

Design outcomes

Primary

MeasureTime frameDescription
American Shoulder Elbow Surgeon's Outcome Score16 weeksself-report of function
Numeric Pain Score16 weekspain levels
Global Rating of Change16 weekspatient satisfaction
Global Percentage of Improvement16 weekspatient perception of status

Countries

United States

Outcome results

None listed

Source: ClinicalTrials.gov · Data processed: Feb 4, 2026