Effects of Vibration Frequencies in Rotator Cuff Syndrome

Medipol University

Status: Completed

Conditions: Rotator Cuff Syndrome; Vibration Therapy

Treatments: Device: a percussion massage gun (Compex Fix 2.0); Other: conventional physiotherapy program

Study type: Interventional

Funder types: Other

Identifiers

NCT06899945

E-10840098-202.3.02-7483

Details and patient eligibility

About

This study aims to investigate the effects of vibration therapy applied at different frequencies using a percussion massage gun on pain, range of motion (ROM), functionality, joint position sense, and quality of life in individuals with rotator cuff syndrome.

Rotator cuff syndrome is a common shoulder disorder caused by excessive use, muscle weakness, trauma, or instability, leading to pain, restricted movement, and reduced functional capacity. Although percussion massage therapy has gained popularity for its potential therapeutic benefits, there is limited scientific evidence on its effectiveness in improving ROM, pain reduction, and functional outcomes.

A total of 48 participants diagnosed with rotator cuff lesions will be included in the study and divided into three groups:

Vibration Group (33 Hz) Vibration Group (16.7 Hz) Control Group (Conventional Physiotherapy)

The intervention will include:

Conventional physiotherapy exercises applied to all groups, Vibration therapy with a percussion massage gun applied to the experimental groups, targeting the deltoid, supraspinatus, infraspinatus, and teres minor muscles for three minutes per muscle, three times per week for three weeks.

Outcome Measures:

Pain: Visual Analog Scale (VAS) ROM & Joint Position Sense: Measured using the Goniometer Pro mobile application Functionality: Disabilities of the Arm, Shoulder, and Hand (DASH) questionnaire Quality of Life: Rotator Cuff Quality of Life (RC-QoL) questionnaire

Hypotheses:

Vibration therapy at different frequencies will significantly impact pain, ROM, functionality, joint position sense, and quality of life.

33 Hz vibration therapy will be more effective than 16.7 Hz in improving outcomes.

The data will be analyzed using SPSS 25, with statistical tests applied based on data distribution. This research aims to contribute to the understanding of vibration therapy's role in managing rotator cuff syndrome and its effectiveness in clinical rehabilitation.

Full description

Rotator cuff syndrome is a common shoulder disorder caused by excessive use, muscle weakness, trauma, or instability. It often results in pain, restricted movement, and reduced functional capacity. The condition is associated with subacromial space compression, leading to tendinitis, partial tears, or full rupture, which affects daily activities and overall quality of life.

Percussion massage therapy is an emerging treatment method that combines elements of traditional massage and vibration therapy. Introduced in the 1950s by Robert Fulford, it was later developed into handheld devices for self-administered and professional use. Percussion therapy is believed to reduce pain, enhance circulation, improve tissue healing, decrease muscle spasms, and increase joint range of motion (ROM).

However, scientific evidence regarding its effectiveness, particularly in rotator cuff syndrome, remains limited. This study aims to investigate the effects of different frequencies of vibration therapy applied with a percussion massage gun on pain, ROM, functionality, joint position sense, and quality of life in individuals with rotator cuff syndrome.

Enrollment: 48 patients

Sex: All

Ages: 30 to 60 years old

Volunteers: Accepts Healthy Volunteers

Inclusion criteria

• Individuals diagnosed with rotator cuff lesion,
• Experiencing shoulder pain for at least 3 weeks,
• Aged between 30-60 years,
• Having restricted shoulder range of motion.

Exclusion criteria

• Individuals with an additional orthopedic or neurological disorder affecting the shoulder,
• Those with a history of previous shoulder trauma,
• Individuals who have participated in a physiotherapy program within the last 3 months,
• Those unable to tolerate vibration therapy.

Trial design

Primary purpose: Treatment

Allocation: Randomized

Interventional model: Parallel Assignment

Masking: Double Blind

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48 participants in 3 patient groups

Control Group (Conventional Physiotherapy)

Active Comparator group

Description:

Participants in the control group will receive only conventional physiotherapy without vibration therapy. This ensures a baseline comparison to assess the effectiveness of vibration therapy. Treatment Modalities: TENS therapy (20 minutes, 100 Hz) Mobility exercises (wand exercises, Codman exercises, active/passive stretching) Strengthening exercises (theraband-based training) Frequency: 5 sessions per week Total Treatment Period: 3 weeks

Treatment:

Other: conventional physiotherapy program

Vibration Therapy (16.7 Hz) Group

Experimental group

Description:

This group will receive vibration therapy at 16.7 Hz using a percussion massage gun (Compex Fix 2.0) along with a standard physiotherapy program. The treatment protocol mirrors the 33 Hz group, except for the vibration frequency. Duration: 3 minutes per muscle Frequency: 3 times per week Total Treatment Period: 3 weeks Additional Treatment: Standard physiotherapy (TENS, mobility exercises, and strengthening)

Treatment:

Other: conventional physiotherapy program

Device: a percussion massage gun (Compex Fix 2.0)

Vibration Therapy (33 Hz) Group

Experimental group

Description:

Participants in this group will receive vibration therapy at 33 Hz using a percussion massage gun (Compex Fix 2.0) in addition to a standard physiotherapy program. The therapy will target the deltoid, supraspinatus, infraspinatus, and teres minor muscles, applying vibration along the origin-insertion pathway. Duration: 3 minutes per muscle Frequency: 3 times per week Total Treatment Period: 3 weeks Additional Treatment: Standard physiotherapy (TENS, mobility exercises, and strengthening)

Treatment:

Other: conventional physiotherapy program

Device: a percussion massage gun (Compex Fix 2.0)