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Effects of Cold and Kinesio Taping in Individuals With Rotator Cuff Tendonitis

Short-Term Effects of Cold Therapy and Kinesio Taping on Pain and Upper Extremity Functionality in Individuals With Rotator Cuff Tendonitis: A Randomized Study

Status
Completed
Phases
NA
Study type
Interventional
Source
ClinicalTrials.gov
Registry ID
NCT06425913
Enrollment
52
Registered
2024-05-23
Start date
2021-06-01
Completion date
2023-02-28
Last updated
2024-05-23

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

Conditions

Rotator Cuff Tendinitis

Brief summary

Rotator cuff tendonitis (RCT) is one of the most common shoulder pathologies, causing pain, limitation of shoulder joint movements, and impaired function. Patient education, medical treatment, corticosteroid injections, physiotherapy rehabilitation approaches are the most common treatment options applied to alleviate the symptoms of RCT. Despite these various treatment methods, there are currently no specific guidelines regarding the most appropriate and effective intervention for RCT treatment. This is mainly because adequate, high-quality studies are lacking in RCT management. To the best of our knowledge, no studies have evaluated the effects of Kinesio Taping (KT), which has become a popular approach in recent years, and Cold Therapy (CT), which has often been used as a therapeutic agent since immemorial, on individuals with RCT. In this regard, this study aimed to investigate and compare the short-term effects of KT and CT on pain and upper extremity functionality in individuals with RCT.

Interventions

KT was applied to the symptomatic shoulder at the end of the baseline assessment by a certificated physiotherapist with over ten years of experience in Kinesio taping. After three days, participants were re-evaluated. KT application has been made according to the protocol for rotator cuff impingement or tendonitis including inhibition and correction techniques.

OTHERCold Therapy (CT)

The initial application was administered by the physiotherapist. In a sitting position, a pack was wrapped in a thin towel and placed on the affected shoulder joint, including the painful locations. During the application, the participant was closely observed for discomfort or adverse reactions (redness, burning, numbness, itching, …). The cold application was continued for 20 minutes.After the first application, participants were instructed to apply ice for 20 minutes five times a day for three days at home or work.

OTHERstandardized home exercise program

All participants performed standardized home exercise program, including shoulder isometric and stretching exercises were . A physiotherapist taught the exercise program until the participants were able to exercise accurately on their own. All participants were instructed to perform the exercises three times a day for three days.

Sponsors

Bezmialem Vakif University
Lead SponsorOTHER

Study design

Allocation
RANDOMIZED
Intervention model
PARALLEL
Primary purpose
TREATMENT
Masking
DOUBLE (Subject, Investigator)

Masking description

Participants were unaware of their group assignments. A therapist who was unaware of the intervention protocol and assigned groups performed the assessment procedures

Eligibility

Sex/Gender
ALL
Age
30 Years to 60 Years
Healthy volunteers
No

Inclusion criteria

* RCT diagnosis * Excluding other shoulder pathologies by magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) and specific tests

Exclusion criteria

* Glenohumeral joint dislocation/subluxation; * Acromioclavicular sprain; * Rotator cuff tear; * Glenohumeral joint instability; * Calcific tendinitis of the shoulder; * Acromioclavicular joint pathologies, * Hyperlaxity; * Any fracture in the shoulder; * Diabetes, thyroid and any vascular or rheumatologic disease; * Glenohumeral joint deformities; * Superior labrum anteroposterior (SLAP) lesion; * Shoulder pain lasting more than six months; * History of shoulder surgery; * Intra-articular steroid injection

Design outcomes

Primary

MeasureTime frameDescription
Pain intensityAt baseline and after three days of the applicationsNumerical Rating Scale (NRS): The pain severity was assessed using the NRS, for which a subject was asked to rate his/her perceived pain. A 11-point NRS from 0 to 10 which 0 means no pain and 10 means the worst possible pain was scored during night, rest, and activity.
FunctionAt baseline and after three days of the applicationsDisability of the Arm, Shoulder and Hand (DASH) Questionnaire): DASH is a self-reported questionnaire designed for evaluating the functional level of upper extremity. It is a 30-item scale that addresses difficulty in performing various physical activities that require upper extremity function (physical function, 21 items); symptoms of pain, activity-related pain, tingling, weakness, and stiffness (pain symptoms, 5 items); or impact of disability and symptoms on social activities, work, sleep, and psychological well-being (emotional and social function, 4 items). Each item is scored between 1 and 5. A score of 1 indicates no strain, and a score of 5 indicates inability to perform the specified activity.

Secondary

MeasureTime frameDescription
Range of MotionAt baseline and after three days of the applicationsRange of Motion (ROM): The active range of motion (ROM) of the affected shoulder, including flexion, abduction, external rotation, and internal rotation, was assessed using a universal goniometer following the protocol reported by the American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons (AAOS)
Grip strengthAt baseline and after three days of the applicationsJamar® hydraulic hand dynamometer were used to assess hand-grip strength of the affected side.

Countries

Turkey (Türkiye)

Outcome results

None listed

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