Effect of Transfer Energy Capacitive Resistive Therapy on Shoulder Pain and Function in Shoulder Impingement Syndrome

Cairo University (CU)

Status: Not yet enrolling

Conditions: Impingement Syndrome, Shoulder

Treatments: Other: strength training program; Device: Transfer Energy Capacitive Resistive Therapy

Study type: Interventional

Funder types: Other

Identifiers

NCT06595641

P.T.REC/012/005345

Details and patient eligibility

About

This study investigates the efficacy of combining Transfer Energy Capacitive and Resistive (TECAR) therapy with standard strengthening exercises in treating Shoulder Impingement Syndrome (SIS). A double-blinded randomized controlled trial will compare outcomes between patients receiving only strengthening exercises and those receiving both TECAR therapy and exercises. Key outcomes include improvements in pain, muscle strength, joint position sense, and shoulder function. The study aims to determine if TECAR therapy enhances treatment benefits beyond those achieved with exercises alone.

Full description

Background: Shoulder Impingement Syndrome (SIS) is a prevalent musculoskeletal condition characterized by pain and functional impairment due to the compression of rotator cuff tendons beneath the coracoacromial arch. Despite the effectiveness of conservative treatments such as strengthening exercises, there is emerging interest in additional modalities, including Transfer Energy Capacitive and Resistive (TECAR) therapy. TECAR therapy utilizes high-frequency electromagnetic waves to provide deep thermal energy, potentially enhancing tissue repair and pain relief.

Objective: This study aims to evaluate the effectiveness of combining TECAR therapy with a standard strengthening exercise regimen compared to strengthening exercises alone in patients with SIS.

Methods: A double-blinded randomized controlled trial will be conducted with 30 participants diagnosed with Neer's Stage I SIS. Participants will be randomly assigned to either a control group receiving only strengthening exercises or an experimental group receiving both TECAR therapy and strengthening exercises. The study will assess pain, shoulder muscle strength, joint position sense, and shoulder function using a range of validated instruments including the Visual Analogue Scale (VAS), Hand-Held Dynamometer (HHD), Digital Inclinometer, and the Shoulder Pain and Disability Index (SPADI).

Enrollment: 30 estimated patients

Sex: All

Ages: 25 to 40 years old

Volunteers: No Healthy Volunteers

Inclusion criteria

• Both gender age from 25-40 with a clinical diagnosis of Neer's stage II SIS and body mass index (18.5-29.9)

  • Shoulder pain for at least three months
  • Painful arc of movement during flexion or abduction
  • Positive Neer's or kennedy- hawkins test or empty can test
  • Pain on resisted external rotation, abduction

Exclusion criteria

• Symptoms of cervical radiculopathy.

  • Diagnosed inflammatory disorder.
  • Neurological disorder.
  • Widespread pain condition.
  • Evidence of complete rotator cuff tear (positive drop arm test).
  • Previous surgery to the affected shoulder.
  • Noncompliance patient.
  • Pacemaker.

Trial design

Primary purpose: Treatment

Allocation: Randomized

Interventional model: Parallel Assignment

Masking: Double Blind

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30 participants in 2 patient groups

strength training program group

Active Comparator group

Description:

In Group I, fifteen patients will undergo a 3-week exercise program, with sessions lasting 35-45 minutes, three times a week. Each session includes five exercises, each performed for three sets of 10 repetitions: Shoulder Retraction - Strengthens muscles between shoulder blades. Shoulder Scaption - Improves stability and range of motion. Shoulder External Rotation from Side Lying - Targets rotator cuff muscles. Shoulder Protraction - Enhances shoulder blade function. Shoulder Extension - Strengthens posterior shoulder muscles.

Treatment:

Other: strength training program

Experimental TECAR Group

Experimental group

Description:

In the experimental group, fifteen patients will follow a three-week program that combines targeted exercises with Transfer Energy Capacitive and Resistive (TECAR) therapy. Each session of the exercise program, conducted three times a week, will include a series of five shoulder exercises: retraction, scaption, external rotation from a side-lying position, protraction, and extension. Alongside these exercises, patients will receive TECAR therapy, which involves applying high-frequency electromagnetic energy to the affected shoulder. During the therapy, a capacitive electrode will first be used for ten minutes to target the soft tissues near the biceps. Following this, the therapy will switch to the resistive mode for another ten minutes, focusing on the deeper tissues around the T1-T9 vertebrae. Each TECAR session will last for a total of twenty minutes, and patients will undergo this treatment nine times over the course of the study, with three sessions each week.

Treatment:

Device: Transfer Energy Capacitive Resistive Therapy

Other: strength training program